Crescent Roll Christmas Tree

Are you ready to make a ridiculously simple Christmas appetizer that’s also incredibly delicious? If so, then this crescent roll Christmas tree is right up your alley.

This simple recipe is easy to follow and will have your guests coming back for more. So gather up your ingredients and get started – your guests will be amazed at how creative you are.

Why You’ll Love This Crescent Roll Christmas Tree Appetizer

• It’s Delicious: Kids and adults love the creamy cheesy center with buttery, flakey crescent rolls.
• Easy to Make: It’s as simple as cut, fill, roll and bake!
• Travels Well: Since the crescent rolls bake up together, this is a great appetizer to bring to a potluck or holiday party.

Step-by-Step Directions:

To make things even easier for you, I created a simple photo guide below. For all measurements and a more detailed guide, check out the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Step 1 – Open a can of crescent rolls and separate the dough along the perforations. Place all 8 triangles onto a cutting board.

Step 2 – Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut each triangle in half so you have 16 long and skinny triangles.

Step 3 – Crumble a package of Boursin cheese evenly between the crescent roll triangles, spreading it out a bit on the wider end of the dough.

Step 4 – Starting at the wide end, roll up the cheese and dough to create mini crescent rolls. (Don’t worry about creating the crescent shape after rolling them up.) Set aside

Step 5 – Repeat steps 2-5 with the remaining crescent roll dough and Boursin cheese.

Step 6 – Arrange the crescent rolls on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a tree (see below).

Step 7 – Bake at 375˚F for 20-25 minutes, until the crescents are golden brown.

Step 8 – Brush the top of the crescent roll Christmas tree with melted butter, and sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately.

How to Create the Tree Shape:

Here’s a fun tip: It’s easiest to make sure the trunk of the tree is centered if you make the tree shape first.

Starting about 1/3 up from a short side of the pan, add rows of crescent rolls as follows:

• 7 crescent rolls for the bottom of the tree,
• 6 crescent rolls on the next row,
• then a row of 5 crescent rolls…

…and so on, until you finish with 7 rows of crescent rolls in a triangle shape.

Finally, create the trunk of the tree by placing two crescent rolls just under the widest row, in the center. Place an additional two crescents underneath those two for a nice sturdy tree trunk.

Essential Tips:

Don’t skip these tips – read them before baking to avoid any potential mistakes.

• Can’t find Boursin cheese? You can also use cubed pieces of brie, or cream cheese with a pinch of Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
• Try to keep the rows of crescents as centered as possible while you make the tree shape.
• To ensure the crescents bake up evenly, rotate the pan halfway through baking.
• Make sure to cook the crescents until they are golden brown, but don’t overcook them either. Start checking them a few minutes before the noted time, and then check every 2-3 minutes until they are nice and golden.

FAQs:

Can I make this appetizer ahead of time?

Sure! You can prepare your Christmas tree up to a day in advance. However, I recommend baking just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Wrap the pan with the unbaked crescent tree tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake and serve.

Can I make a smaller version?

Yep! This test photo isn’t the best, but as you can see, it’s smaller than the main recipe. We simply used only one can of crescent roll dough and one package of Boursin. Alongside another appetizer, it was the perfect size for 5-7 people.

How Can I Transfer the Crescent Roll Tree to a Serving Platter?

It seems daunting, doesn’t it? But it’s really not that difficult. Simply use the parchment paper to lift up the crescent tree and then move it to your platter.

At this point you can then use a large, flat spatula to carefully slide the tree off the parchment paper, or you can use scissors to cut the parchment paper around the tree, similar to this Spinach Artichoke Christmas Tree appetizer.

Storage Tips/Freezing, Etc.

Move any leftovers to a covered container and keep refrigerated for 2-3 days. To reheat, place the crescents on a baking tray and heat at 350˚F for 10-15 minutes.

If you liked my crescent roll Christmas tree appetizer, you’re going to love my Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip. Ready in 5 minutes, it’s a delicious way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers at your holiday parties.

Or you can check out my other Christmas appetizers right here.

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