Crescent Roll Christmas Tree with Garlic Herb Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your guests with an appetizer that’s as festive as it is delicious, the Crescent Roll Christmas Tree with Garlic Herb Cheese Recipe is your new holiday hero. Picture golden, flaky crescent rolls braided into a glorious Christmas tree shape, generously filled with creamy, flavorful garlic herb cheese that melts in your mouth. The buttery, crisp exterior coupled with the rich, savory inside makes this a perfect centerpiece for your party table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is simple, fun, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Crescent Roll Christmas Tree with Garlic Herb Cheese Recipe are simple, yet thoughtfully chosen to deliver the perfect balance of flaky texture, creamy filling, and fresh herbal brightness. Each component plays an essential role in bringing the flavors and presentation to life.

• 2 8-ounce cans of crescent rolls: These provide the delicate, flaky dough that forms the beautiful tree shape with a golden crust.
• 2 5.5-ounce packages of Boursin garlic and herbs spreadable cheese: This creamy, flavorful cheese fills the rolls with a perfect garlicky herbed punch that’s both rich and aromatic.
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted): Brushing the rolls with butter creates that irresistible shine and adds a luscious buttery depth.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): A fresh sprinkle of parsley not only adds vibrant color but also a nice herbal brightness to finish the dish.

How to Make Crescent Roll Christmas Tree with Garlic Herb Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Surface

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your crescent tree won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup later – a little time saving goes a long way!

Step 2: Shape Your Crescent Triangles

Open one can of crescent rolls and carefully unroll the dough onto a clean cutting board. Separate it into the 8 standard triangles, then cut each triangle lengthwise with a pizza cutter to form two thinner triangles. This step is key for creating a delicate, tree-like look with lots of slender branches.

Step 3: Fill and Roll the Crescents

Spread half of one package of the Boursin cheese evenly along the wider end of each crescent triangle. As you roll from the wide end toward the point, the cheese filling will marvelously melt during baking, delivering bursts of garlic and herb goodness in every bite.

Step 4: Arrange the Tree Base

On your parchment-lined baking sheet, place four crescent rolls side by side in two rows of two at the bottom center to create the tree trunk. Anchoring your tree correctly here makes the whole design sturdy and visually balanced.

Step 5: Build the Tree Layers

Now the fun part: arrange the remaining crescent rolls in rows above the trunk, walking up in size from seven crescents in the bottom tree layer to smaller rows as you move up, finishing at the top. Keep each row centered for a beautifully symmetrical Christmas tree shape.

Step 6: Repeat with the Second Can

Repeat the filling, rolling, and placement process with the second can of crescent rolls and package of Boursin cheese to complete your layered, luscious tree. This repetition ensures your tree looks full and inviting.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Pop the entire sheet into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crescent rolls turn a gorgeous golden brown. That color signals crispy crusts and perfectly cooked interiors – it’s absolutely mouthwatering to watch.

Step 8: Add Final Touches

Once the tree is out of the oven, melt your butter and brush it generously over the warm crescents. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds festive green flecks and a fresh herbaceous note, rounding out the flavors perfectly.

Step 9: Serve Warm and Enjoy

The Crescent Roll Christmas Tree with Garlic Herb Cheese Recipe is best enjoyed fresh from the oven while still warm, so the cheese is gooey and the crust tender but crisp. It’s the perfect appetizer to share and enjoy, creating a festive atmosphere for any holiday gathering.

How to Serve Crescent Roll Christmas Tree with Garlic Herb Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

A simple garnish like a light sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley can elevate the look and flavor, adding a touch of green that makes the golden crescents pop. For a more festive vibe, you might scatter some finely diced red bell peppers or pomegranate seeds around the base, creating a holiday palette.

Side Dishes

This scrumptious garlic herb cheese-filled crescent roll pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp salads or a light tomato basil soup. These sides balance the richness of the cheese and bread, making for a well-rounded meal or snacking experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try placing the crescent roll tree on a large wooden board or a festive platter and decorate around it with additional fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, or mini mozzarella balls to simulate ornaments. You can even add a small star-shaped pastry at the top for an adorable finishing touch that delights guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the crescent roll tree tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent the crescent rolls from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover pieces by wrapping them individually in foil and then placing in a freezer bag. Frozen crescents will keep well for up to 1 month and can be thawed overnight in the fridge for convenient snacking later.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, uncovered, to bring back the crescent rolls’ crispness and warm the garlic herb cheese filling. This refreshes the flavors much better than microwaving, though the microwave works in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Boursin garlic and herbs cheese is ideal for its flavor and spreadability, you can experiment with cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and herbs or even herbed goat cheese for a tangy twist. Just make sure the cheese can be easily spread and melts well inside the crescent rolls.

How far in advance can I prepare this appetizer?

You can prepare the crescent rolls up to the point before baking and refrigerate them, covered, for a few hours. Just allow the rolls to come closer to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking and rise.

Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?

Yes! The flavors are classic and not overly adventurous, making it a crowd-pleaser. If you’re worried about garlic or herbs, you could reduce their amount or substitute milder spreads, making this recipe adaptable to many tastes.

What can I use instead of fresh parsley for garnish?

If fresh parsley isn’t available, dried parsley flakes work well, or you can use other fresh herbs like chives or basil leaves to add visual appeal and a bright flavor contrast.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! This recipe scales beautifully. Just make sure you have enough baking sheets and oven space, or bake in batches. The Crescent Roll Christmas Tree with Garlic Herb Cheese Recipe is designed to be a festive centerpiece perfect for sharing.

Final Thoughts

This Crescent Roll Christmas Tree with Garlic Herb Cheese Recipe is a joyous way to bring flavor and festivity together in one irresistible dish. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply treating your family to a special snack, this tree-shaped treat is sure to bring smiles, warmth, and that cozy homey feeling to your kitchen. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and turn your holiday entertaining up a notch with this deliciously fun recipe!

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