This fun Crescent Roll Christmas Tree is perfect for holiday gatherings! It’s made by rolling up crescent dough around tasty fillings like cheese and ham, shaped into a festive tree!
I love how easy it is to make this treat. Just roll, shape, and bake! Plus, it gets everyone in the holiday spirit. It disappears fast; I always wish I had made more! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the base of your tree and creates a flaky, buttery texture. If you’re looking to avoid processed dough, you could use homemade puff pastry instead, although it may require more effort.
Cheeses: I use mozzarella for its meltiness. Feel free to mix things up! Cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack can be fun alternatives, especially if you want a bit more flavor kick.
Deli Meat: Ham is a classic choice. Turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option using roasted vegetables could also work great! If you’re going meatless, think about adding more cheese and veggies.
Fresh Parsley: This ingredient adds brightness to the dish. If you don’t have parsley, consider using fresh basil or cilantro for a different twist.
Egg Wash: This gives the dough the beautiful golden color when baked. If you’re avoiding eggs, brush with milk or a dairy-free alternative instead.
How Do I Cut and Shape the Dough Like a Tree?
Shaping the crescent dough into a Christmas tree might seem tricky, but it’s pretty simple! Here’s a step-by-step guide to get it just right:
- Start with a large triangle shape. This is your tree! Aim for a base that’s wider for a better shape.
- After you’ve cut it down to a triangle, make sure to leave the center intact. This keeps your tree together.
- When cutting strips for the branches, keep them about 1 inch wide. The deeper you cut, the more “branch” you’ll have to twist, which is what gives you that great tree look.
- Twisting each strip away from the center helps it stand out and creates that appealing, festive design.
Taking your time with these steps will definitely pay off in the end. Happy baking!
How to Make a Crescent Roll Christmas Tree
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz deli ham or turkey slices, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: Ranch dressing or your preferred dip for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes preparing the ingredients and shaping the tree, and then let it bake for about 15-20 minutes. It’s perfect for your holiday gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your tree will bake perfectly crispy.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and place it on a lined baking sheet. Make sure to press the perforations together to form a large rectangle. This is the base of your Christmas tree!
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and chopped parsley. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be your delicious filling!
4. Spread It Out:
Take your cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly over the crescent roll dough. Make sure to cover the whole rectangle fairly well.
5. Add the Meats and Cheese:
Layer the thin slices of deli ham (or turkey) evenly over the cream cheese mixture. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, making it extra cheesy!
6. Shape the Tree:
With a sharp knife, cut the dough into a large triangle shape to resemble a Christmas tree, with the base at the wider side. Remember to leave the middle intact for a sturdy tree! You can also cut a small rectangular piece from the narrow part of the triangle to form the trunk; set it aside for later.
7. Cut the Branches:
Now, starting from the wide side, cut 1-inch wide strips on both sides, moving diagonally toward the tip of the triangle. Be careful to leave the center attached!
8. Twist Those Branches:
Take each strip and gently twist it away from the center. This creates the branches that will make your tree look festive!
9. Form the Trunk:
Place the small rectangular piece you set aside at the bottom of your triangle to act as the trunk of your tree.
10. Brush with Egg Wash:
Beat the egg and use it to brush over all the twisted pieces and the trunk. This will give your tree a lovely golden brown color when baked.
11. Bake the Tree:
Put your baking sheet in the oven and let it bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn!
12. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle the top with extra chopped parsley for a festive touch! Serve the warm tree with ranch dressing or your favorite dip.
Enjoy your festive and delicious Crescent Roll Christmas Tree with family and friends!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dip Instead of Making the Cream Cheese Mixture?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use a pre-made cheese spread or dip. Just spread it over the dough instead of the homemade mixture!
How Can I Make This Tree Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the deli meat and add more veggies. Options like roasted red peppers, spinach, or artichokes work great and bring lovely flavor to the filling!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to crisp it up again, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry!
Can I Freeze This Recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked tree! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
