This fun Crescent Roll Christmas Tree is a delightful dish perfect for the holiday season! With flaky rolls shaped like a tree, it’s filled with cheesy goodness and can be decorated with toppings.
Making it is as easy as pie—just roll, bake, and watch it disappear as guests pick at the cheesy branches! It always brings a smile to my face, and let’s be honest, who can resist that? 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the backbone of your Christmas tree! You can use any brand, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, try whole wheat crescent rolls. You can also use puff pastry if you want an even flakier texture.
Cream Cheese: This adds a rich, creamy element. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using low-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Dairy-free cream cheese is also a great substitute!
Cheeses: I love using mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for flavor. You can easily switch out mozzarella for cheddar or gouda for a different taste. Just remember, different cheeses will give slightly different textures.
Bacon: This ingredient gives a nice salty crunch. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute with cooked mushrooms or sautéed spinach for a burst of flavor without the meat.
Fresh Parsley: It adds a pop of color and freshness. Other herbs like basil or cilantro can be interesting substitutes, but keep in mind they will slightly change the flavor profile.
How Do You Make Sure Your Crescent Roll Tree Looks Perfect?
Shaping your crescent roll tree can seem tricky, but it’s all about technique. Start with the two rectangles of dough and make sure they are well-sealed together after cutting. Here’s how to get that perfect shape:
- After cutting the dough into strips, lay them upright in a triangle shape, reminding you of a Christmas tree.
- Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly symmetrical—this adds to the homemade charm!
- Twist the strips as you arrange them to create the branch look. Be gentle to avoid tearing the dough.
Brushing with the egg wash is key for that golden color! Use a light touch, and don’t skip on the extra Parmesan on top for delicious crunch. Enjoy your baking and watch the smiles as the tree disappears!
Crescent Roll Christmas Tree
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Tree:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (or finely chopped ham)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
For this recipe, you’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble the ingredients, plus 15-20 minutes for baking. In total, set aside around 35-40 minutes for a delicious holiday appetizer that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to make sure your tasty tree doesn’t stick!
2. Roll Out the Dough:
Unroll both cans of crescent roll dough. Press the seams together gently to create two large rectangles of dough. This will give you a sturdy base for all that cheesy goodness!
3. Spread the Cream Cheese:
On a clean surface, take one rectangle of dough and spread the softened cream cheese evenly over it. Make sure it’s nice and even for the best flavor in every bite!
4. Add Tasty Fillings:
Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, cooked bacon (or ham), chopped parsley, garlic powder, and (if using) Italian seasoning over the cream cheese layer. This is where the magic happens!
5. Layer the Second Dough Rectangle:
Now take the second rectangle of dough and place it on top of the first one. Press down gently to seal everything together.
6. Cut Into Strips:
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the layered dough into strips about 1 to 1.5 inches wide, starting from the wide side toward the narrow side. You want to create multiple strips that will form the branches.
7. Shape the Christmas Tree:
Arrange the strips standing upright on their shorter edges on the prepared baking sheet. Overlap the strips in a triangular shape to resemble a Christmas tree. If needed, trim the bottom edges to create a nice pointed base.
8. Twist the Strips:
Starting from one side, gently twist each strip away from the center a few times to create the ‘branches’ effect. Space the twists evenly to give your tree that festive appearance.
9. Egg Wash for Shine:
Brush the entire tree lightly with the beaten egg. This will give it a beautiful golden finish once baked!
10. Sprinkle with More Cheese:
Sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor and crunch.
11. Bake to Perfection:
Place your creation in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tree is golden brown and puffed up. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
12. Garnish and Serve:
Once slightly cooled, garnish your tree with extra fresh parsley. This will make it look even more festive and beautiful!
13. Enjoy!
Serve warm and watch as family and friends pull apart the cheesy, savory “branches.” It’s sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering!
This delightful Crescent Roll Christmas Tree combines flaky pastry, creamy cheeses, and savory fillings, topped with fresh parsley for a charming holiday presentation. Enjoy spreading joy and deliciousness this season!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, gouda, or any cheese you like. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will change the flavor profile and texture a bit!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the Crescent Roll Christmas Tree up to a day in advance. Assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and allow it to come to room temperature before applying the egg wash and baking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Enjoy as a delicious snack!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! Just omit the bacon or ham, and consider adding more veggies such as spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers for a flavorful vegetarian filling. You won’t miss the meat one bit!
