This fun Crescent Roll Christmas Tree is a tasty way to celebrate the season! It’s made with flaky crescent rolls shaped into a tree and filled with gooey cheese and your favorite toppings.
Getting the kids involved is a blast! They love helping to place the rolls and sprinkle more cheese on top. Plus, who can resist a cheesy treat that looks like a Christmas tree? 🎄
I enjoy serving this warm and cheesy delight at holiday gatherings. It’s super easy to whip up and disappears fast, making everyone smile all around the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the base of your Christmas Tree. You can use store-bought dough for convenience. If you’re dairy-free or gluten-free, there are several brands of crescent dough available that cater to these needs.
Cream Cheese: I love cream cheese for its rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a healthy twist.
Shredded Mozzarella: Mozzarella brings that gooey stretch to the filling. If you want something with a different flavor, try cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses instead.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor. Pecorino Romano is a good substitute if you want a sharper taste. Nutritional yeast can also work for a cheesy flavor if you’re vegan.
Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder: Both add great flavor to the cheese mixture. You can use fresh garlic and herbs if you prefer a more vibrant taste. Alternatively, any combo of dried herbs like oregano and basil will work well!
How Do I Shape the Crescent Roll Christmas Tree?
Shaping your Christmas tree is fun and simple! Just follow these tips to achieve the perfect look:
- Start with one triangle at the top for the tree’s tip.
- Add two triangles to the next layer, followed by three, and so on. It should create a triangle shape.
- Leave a little space between each roll when placing them on the baking sheet to let them puff up nicely while baking.
Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect; it will still taste amazing! Just focus on making it festive and fun – that’s the holiday spirit. And remember to garnish with parsley to give it a fresh touch, resembling pine needles.
How to Make a Festive Crescent Roll Christmas Tree
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley sprigs (for garnish)
- Optional: pizza sauce or marinara for dipping
Time Needed
This delightful Crescent Roll Christmas Tree will take you about 25 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying your festive treat in around 40 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup later. This will also help your tree bake evenly!
2. Unroll the Dough
Take your cans of crescent roll dough and unroll them. Carefully separate the dough into individual triangles. You’ll want about 24-30 triangles for your tree shape.
3. Make the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This cheesy goodness is what will make your tree extra tasty!
4. Shape Your Christmas Tree
On the lined baking sheet, arrange the triangles in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with one triangle at the top, then two in the next row, followed by three in the next row, and so on, creating a nice tree shape. Remember to leave a little space between each roll to allow them to puff up while baking.
5. Fill and Roll
Spoon a small amount of the cheese mixture onto the wide base of each triangle, then gently roll them up towards the point. Place them on the baking sheet, keeping the tree shape intact. It’s like building a tasty Christmas masterpiece!
6. Bake
Pop your baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the tree bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and bubbly. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
7. Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the tree from the oven and let it cool slightly. For that festive touch, garnish with fresh parsley sprigs nestled between the rolls to look like pine branches. Serve your warm and cheesy tree with pizza sauce or marinara for dipping if you like.
Enjoy your festive, flaky, and delicious Crescent Roll Christmas Tree with family and friends! 🎄
Can I Use Frozen Crescent Roll Dough?
Yes, you can use frozen crescent roll dough! Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before unrolling and shaping your Christmas tree. Roll it out slightly if it’s too thick to easily shape into triangles.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through for best results.
Can I Customize the Filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the filling. You can add chopped spinach, diced veggies, or even cooked sausage to the cheese mixture for a flavor twist!
What Can I Serve With This Dish?
This festive treat pairs wonderfully with pizza sauce or marinara for dipping. You could also serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a balanced spread during your holiday gatherings.
