This fun Crescent Roll Christmas Tree is colorful and tasty! It’s made with flaky crescent rolls wrapped around your choice of delicious fillings like cheese, ham, or veggies.
Kids and adults love to help decorate this tree! I like to add a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking. It looks festive and makes the house smell great!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent roll dough: This is the star of the show! If you can’t find crescent dough, puff pastry can be a great alternative. It gives a different but delightful texture.
Mozzarella cheese: It’s gooey and melty! You could use cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses instead if you’re in the mood for a flavor twist.
Parmesan cheese: This adds a nice sharp flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, you can substitute with grated Pecorino or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Garlic powder: A little sprinkle brings out the flavor. Fresh minced garlic works too, but you may need to adjust the quantity since fresh has a stronger taste.
How Do I Shape My Crescent Roll Christmas Tree?
Shaping the tree might seem tricky, but it’s easy once you know how! Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Start with a clean workspace. Unroll each can and cut the dough into triangles as directed.
- Begin with one triangle at the top. This is your tree’s tip. Each row below the tip has one more triangle than the last, leading to a wide base.
- For the star at the top, you can shape a triangle to look more star-like by trimming the edges or even using cookie cutters.
- Don’t worry about perfection! The tree will look great once baked and garnished.
Have fun with it! The more creative you get, the more festive it’ll look on your table!
Crescent Roll Christmas Tree Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz each)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Estimated Time:
This delightful dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, totaling around 25-30 minutes of your time. Perfect for a quick and festive treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup and ensures that your tasty tree won’t stick to the pan.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Open the crescent roll dough and gently unroll it. You’ll see that it separates into triangles. Carefully separate each can into four triangle pieces.
3. Shape the Christmas Tree:
On your lined baking sheet, arrange the triangles to form a Christmas tree. Start with one triangle at the top, then place two triangles side by side beneath it, next place three, then four, and finally five at the bottom to create a lovely tree shape.
4. Add a Star:
For the top of your Christmas tree, take one triangle and shape it into a star. You can trim it or use your hands to make it look fun!
5. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the arranged triangles. This will make your tree super cheesy and delicious!
6. Fold and Enclose:
Gently fold the edges of the crescent triangles over the cheese filling to enclose it as much as possible. Tuck the edges slightly to give it a neat shape.
7. Brush with Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder. Brush this mixture generously over the dough. This coating will enhance the flavor and make it golden brown when baked.
8. Bake the Tree:
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed and beautifully golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the tree from the oven and let it cool slightly on the baking sheet. This will make it easier to move without falling apart.
10. Garnish:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a festive touch. It adds a pop of color and looks great!
11. Enjoy!
Serve the tree warm, and watch as everyone enjoys this delicious and festive treat!
Can I Use Different Fillings in My Crescent Roll Christmas Tree?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fillings. You can use chopped veggies, cooked sausage, or different types of cheese. Just make sure the fillings are not too watery to prevent sogginess.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the tree up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What If I Don’t Have Parchment Paper?
No worries! If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Just be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.
