Basil Pesto Crescent Rolls with Mozzarella, Cherry Tomatoes, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Introduction

These Basil Pesto Crescent Rolls are a delightful twist on classic crescent rolls, filled with flavorful pesto, mozzarella, and fresh tomatoes. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they offer a warm, cheesy bite with a hint of garlic and balsamic sweetness.

Ingredients

• 8 ounce tube crescent roll dough
• 1/4 cup basil pesto
• 4 mozzarella sticks
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375℉. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate each triangle.
2. Step 2: Spread the basil pesto evenly on the widest part of each crescent triangle, leaving about 1/2 to 1 inch space at the top edge.
3. Step 3: Place half of a mozzarella stick along the base of each triangle.
4. Step 4: Add about a teaspoon of diced cherry tomatoes next to the cheese stick toward the pointy end of the triangle.
5. Step 5: Drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the cheese and tomatoes on each triangle.
6. Step 6: Carefully roll up each crescent starting at the wide end and place them seam side down in an 8″ or 9″ square baking dish.
7. Step 7: Melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic. Pour this mixture evenly over the rolls.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan over the rolls before baking.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes for a more intense taste.
• Try swapping mozzarella sticks with shredded mozzarella for easier layering.
• Brush the rolls with egg wash before baking for a glossy finish.

Storage

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350℉ oven for about 8-10 minutes to restore crispness and melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving to keep the dough from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade crescent roll dough for this recipe?

Yes, homemade crescent roll dough works well. Just be sure it’s rolled out into triangles similar in size to store-bought dough for even cooking.

Is it possible to make these rolls ahead of time?

You can assemble the rolls and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Allow a bit of extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Basil Pesto Crescent Rolls with Mozzarella, Cherry Tomatoes, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 107 reviews

These Basil Pesto Crescent Rolls are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack featuring flaky crescent dough filled with fragrant basil pesto, gooey mozzarella cheese, and fresh cherry tomatoes, all drizzled with balsamic glaze and topped with a buttery garlic finish. Perfect for entertaining or a savory treat any time.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 8 crescent rolls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crescent Rolls

• 8 ounce tube crescent roll dough

Filling

• 1/4 cup basil pesto
• 4 mozzarella sticks, halved
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Topping

• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches an ideal temperature for baking the rolls evenly.
2. Prepare Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles to form the base for each roll.
3. Spread Pesto: Evenly divide the basil pesto and spread it over the widest part of each crescent triangle, leaving about 1/2 to 1 inch of space at the top edge to allow for rolling.
4. Add Cheese: Place half of a mozzarella stick at the base of each crescent triangle, ensuring it aligns well to melt inside the roll.
5. Add Tomatoes: Sprinkle approximately one teaspoon of diced cherry tomatoes alongside the cheese stick, moving toward the pointy end of the triangle for a burst of fresh flavor.
6. Drizzle Balsamic Glaze: Lightly drizzle some balsamic glaze over each cheese and tomato layer to add sweetness and acidity.
7. Roll Up Dough: Carefully roll up each crescent from the wide base to the pointy tip, encasing the fillings, and arrange the rolls in an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish with the seams tucked underneath.
8. Prepare Garlic Butter: Melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic to create a flavorful topping mixture.
9. Brush Rolls: Pour the garlic butter evenly over the tops of the crescent rolls, enhancing browning and adding rich garlic flavor.
10. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the mozzarella cheese inside is melted and gooey.

Notes

• Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor, or store-bought if pressed for time.
• Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor.
• Balsamic glaze adds a sweet tang; alternatively, a light balsamic vinegar drizzle can be used but with less thickness.
• Make sure to seal the crescent dough seams underneath to prevent filling leakage during baking.
• Serve warm for the best taste and melty cheese experience.

Keywords: basil pesto crescent rolls, mozzarella crescent rolls, easy appetizer, garlic butter rolls, pesto appetizer, tomato and cheese crescent