Description
This Crescent Roll Christmas Tree is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Flaky crescent rolls are layered with a savory cream cheese, bacon, garlic, chive, and parsley filling, then twisted into a beautiful tree shape and baked until golden brown. It’s an eye-catching and flavorful dish that will impress guests and add holiday cheer to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls
For the 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
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For Assembly:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, chopped chives, and fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly integrated into a spreadable mixture.
- Assemble the Tree Base: Unroll the first can of crescent rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press the seams together firmly to form a large rectangle without perforations.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread half of the cream cheese and bacon mixture over the first crescent dough rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Second Layer: Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and press the seams together, just like the first. Place this second dough rectangle directly on top of the filling-covered dough. Press gently to seal the layers.
- Cut and Twist Branches: Using a sharp knife, cut the layered dough into 3 equal strips lengthwise. Starting from the center strip, cut about 10 slits on each side to create branches. Twist each branch away from the center several times, keeping the shape intact to resemble a tree.
- Shape the Tree: Fold the bottom of the middle strip upward to form the trunk of the tree, and arrange the twisted branches neatly around it.
- Brush with Butter: Brush the entire tree with melted unsalted butter to give it a golden color when baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the tree on the lined baking sheet for approximately 20 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the tree from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to handle.
Notes
- You can substitute bacon with cooked sausage or omit it for a vegetarian version.
- Try adding shredded cheese to the filling for extra flavor.
- If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
- Serve with sour cream or ranch dressing as a dip.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy spreading.
