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Holiday cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be impressive. In fact, some of the most eye-catching and crowd-pleasing recipes are the simplest — like this Easy Cheesy Pesto Crescent Wreath. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a stunning, pull-apart appetizer that looks bakery-quality but comes together in less than 30 minutes. Layers of buttery crescent dough, melty cheese, and fragrant basil pesto turn into an irresistible golden wreath, perfect for Christmas brunch, holiday parties, or cozy weeknight snacks.
This recipe is everything you want in a seasonal appetizer: warm, savory, comforting, and beautifully festive. The shape alone makes guests smile when they see it on the table, but the flavor is what makes it unforgettable. Pesto provides a fresh burst of basil and garlic, mozzarella gives that gorgeous cheese pull, and the crescent dough bakes into buttery, flaky layers that complement every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, decorating a charcuterie board, or looking for a quick and delicious side dish, this wreath-style appetizer brings joy and satisfaction to any celebration. And the best part? You don’t need any special skills, tools, or ingredients. Anyone can make it.
In this guide, you’ll learn the full recipe, shaping tips, variations, serving ideas, and storage tricks so your crescent wreath turns out perfectly every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pesto Crescent Wreath
✔ Only a Few Ingredients
Just crescent dough, cheese, pesto, Parmesan, and egg wash — that’s it!
✔ Ready in 20–25 Minutes
A fast, impressive appetizer that works for last-minute gatherings.
✔ Showstopping Holiday Presentation
Baked in a ring shape, the wreath looks festive without any extra effort.
✔ Customizable
Change fillings, add toppings, or make it gluten-free with alternative doughs.
✔ Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser
Buttery dough + gooey cheese + pesto = perfection.
Ingredients
For the Crescent Wreath
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup basil pesto
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep the Oven & Surface
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Form the Crescent Ring
- Separate crescent triangles.
- On the baking sheet, arrange triangles in a circle with the wide ends overlapping and the points facing outward like a sunburst.
- Press overlapping dough slightly to seal.
3. Add the Filling
- Spread basil pesto evenly along the wide ends of the dough ring.
- Sprinkle mozzarella over the pesto.
- Add Parmesan for extra flavor.
4. Fold and Shape the Wreath
- Fold the pointed ends of the dough inward over the filling.
- Tuck the tips under the bottom of the ring.
- Adjust shape if needed to form a clean circle.
5. Bake
- Brush dough with beaten egg for golden shine.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until deep golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish & Serve
- Add fresh basil, parsley, or even cherry tomatoes for holiday color.
- Slice or serve pull-apart style.
Easy Cheesy Pesto Crescent Wreath
A festive crescent dough wreath stuffed with gooey cheese and vibrant basil pesto. Perfect for holiday parties and quick appetizers.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange crescent dough triangles in a circular wreath shape with wide ends overlapping.
- Spread pesto evenly along the wide section of the dough ring.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Fold dough tips inward and tuck underneath to form a ring.
- Brush with egg wash and bake 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool briefly, garnish with basil, and serve warm.
Notes
Serve with marinara or extra pesto for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Pesto Crescent Wreath
Don’t Overfill
Too much cheese or pesto can leak during baking.
Use High-Quality Pesto
Fresh basil pesto offers the best flavor.
Shape Carefully
Keep the ring wide and even for the best presentation.
Egg Wash = Shine
Never skip it — it gives the wreath a professional look.
Add a Dip
Serve with marinara or extra pesto for dipping.
Variations
Tomato Pesto Wreath
Add sun-dried tomatoes or cherry tomato halves.
Three-Cheese Wreath
Use mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
Spinach Pesto Wreath
Add a layer of spinach for extra color and freshness.
Christmas Caprese Wreath
Add mozzarella pearls and cherry tomatoes after baking.
Spicy Pesto Wreath
Mix pesto with a bit of red pepper paste or hot chili flakes.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect for Christmas brunch or dinner
- Serve it as a centerpiece on a grazing table
- Offer as a warm starter for holiday parties
- Add to a board with dips, olives, and meats
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
✔ Make-Ahead Option
Assemble the entire wreath, cover, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours, then bake when ready.
✔ Leftovers
Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
✔ Reheating
Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
Fun Holiday Fact:
Wreath-shaped breads have been part of winter celebrations for centuries, symbolizing unity, hope, and seasonal abundance — making this modern cheesy version a delicious continuation of tradition!
