If you’re searching for a festive appetizer that dazzles and delights, the Crescent Roll Christmas Tree Recipe is your go-to treat. This fun, savory appetizer transforms simple crescent rolls and beloved flavors like cream cheese, bacon, and garlic into a charming, eye-catching centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is adorable. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it combines buttery layers, creamy fillings, and fresh herbs to create a warm, inviting bite everyone will remember. Trust me, once you try this Crescent Roll Christmas Tree Recipe, it will become a highlight of your seasonal entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step toward creating a visually stunning and scrumptious snack. Each element plays a unique role, from the flaky texture of the crescent rolls to the smoky crunch of bacon and the fresh punch of herbs, building a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
- Crescent rolls (2 cans, 8 oz each): The flaky, buttery dough that forms the base and shape of our Christmas tree.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds a luscious, creamy layer that helps bind flavors and provides richness.
- Bacon (1 cup cooked and crumbled, about 16 slices): Brings a smoky, crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft dough and cheese.
- Garlic (2 large cloves, finely minced): Infuses a subtle aromatic depth that elevates every bite.
- Chives (½ cup, finely chopped): Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant green color that makes the tree pop.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Brushed on top to create golden, shiny, and irresistible dough layers.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Sprinkled for a fresh herbal finish and added color contrast.
How to Make Crescent Roll Christmas Tree Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by cooking your bacon until it’s perfectly crisp, then crumble it into small pieces. Finely mince the garlic, chop the chives and parsley, and soften the cream cheese at room temperature to make spreading effortless. Having everything ready means your assembly will go smoothly and quickly.
Step 2: Roll Out Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent dough from both cans and press the seams together on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, forming a large triangle shape that will become your Christmas tree. This is the foundation for your delicious layered masterpiece.
Step 3: Spread Cream Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with minced garlic, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives. Spread this savory mixture evenly over the crescent dough, covering it completely to ensure each bite has that perfect creamy and savory punch.
Step 4: Create Tree Layers
Using a knife, gently cut horizontal slices across the dough, stopping just before the edge to keep the “trunk” intact. Twist each strip away from the center to create the appearance of branches. This step adds a playful texture and architectural element that makes the recipe truly stand out.
Step 5: Brush with Butter and Bake
Brush the melted butter over the entire tree to help it become golden and deliciously crisp. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until the dough is puffed and golden brown. The aroma alone will have everyone eager to dig in!
How to Serve Crescent Roll Christmas Tree Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the baked tree for a pop of fresh green color that complements the golden crust beautifully. You can also add a little shredded cheese on top before baking for an extra melty, gooey effect that looks like snow dusting the branches.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes like a crisp garden salad or a fresh cranberry relish. These lighter sides provide a perfect balance to the richness of the crescent roll Christmas tree, keeping your holiday spread both festive and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Place your Crescent Roll Christmas Tree Recipe on a festive platter surrounded by colorful vegetables or cherry tomatoes to mimic holiday ornaments. Adding edible glitter or small dollops of flavored dips nearby invites guests to customize their bites and adds to the fun presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap the tree tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two days, though I promise it’s hard to resist eating it all before then!
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked assembled tree by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then proceed with the butter brush and baking instructions as usual.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the dough crisps back up. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the dough soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the Crescent Roll Christmas Tree Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the bacon with chopped roasted nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or your favorite vegetarian bacon alternative for a smoky, savory flavor without meat.
What kind of cream cheese works best for this recipe?
Use regular full-fat cream cheese that’s softened at room temperature. This ensures smooth spreading and a rich, creamy texture that complements the buttery crescent rolls perfectly.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can assemble the tree a few hours before baking. Keep it wrapped and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake so it stays fresh and holds its shape well.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but fresh parsley and chives really brighten the flavors and add the signature vibrant green color that makes the tree so festive.
Can I add cheese inside or on top?
Definitely! Mixing shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the cream cheese mixture or sprinkling some on top before baking adds delicious gooeyness and extra flavor to the tree.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Crescent Roll Christmas Tree Recipe when it comes to adding joy and flavor to your holiday table. It’s fun to make, visually stunning, and utterly delicious, making it the perfect dish to share with friends and family. So grab those ingredients and get ready to impress—this Christmas tree appetizer will become a beloved tradition in no time!
Print
Crescent Roll Christmas Tree Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate the holidays with this festive Crescent Roll Christmas Tree appetizer. Flaky crescent rolls are layered with a creamy garlic and herb cream cheese mixture, sprinkled with smoky bacon and fresh herbs, then braided into a beautiful tree shape perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 16 slices)
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- ½ cup chives, finely chopped
Topping
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, and chopped chives. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
- Assemble Tree Base: Unroll both cans of crescent rolls and separate the dough into 16 triangles. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the triangles into a large circle with the wide ends together in the center and the points facing outward, forming a rough tree shape, pressing dough seams gently together.
- Add Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the inner wide part of the circle, leaving the outer points free for twisting.
- Create Tree Branches: Using a sharp knife, cut the dough from the outer edge of the filling to the pointed tips into 16 strips. Carefully twist each strip 2-3 times away from the center to create the look of pine branches.
- Bake: Brush the entire tree with melted butter and bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish: Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add extra herbs or sautéed mushrooms.
- You can prepare the filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce or ranch dip for extra flavor.
- Use a sharp knife to ensure clean twisting of dough strips.
