Description
This Thanksgiving Cheesy Pesto Wreath is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with crescent dough filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, and basil pesto, this wreath is golden baked to perfection and garnished with fresh rosemary and cherry tomatoes for a beautiful presentation and savory flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent dough
Cheese Filling
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup basil pesto, divided
Garnishes (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Arrange Crescent Dough: Open both cans of crescent dough and separate into 16 triangles. On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the triangles overlapping with the flat sides inward and the pointed sides outward, forming a ring with a 5-inch circle in the center that resembles a sunburst.
- Mix Cheese and Pesto Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup minus 2 tablespoons of the basil pesto. Reserve 2 tablespoons of pesto for brushing.
- Spread Filling: Spread the cheese and pesto mixture evenly around the center of the crescent dough ring, inside the formed circle.
- Wrap the Dough: Carefully lift each dough triangle over the filling and tuck the pointed ends under the ring to secure the wrapped shape, repeating all around the ring.
- Brush with Pesto: Brush the top of the wrapped dough ring with the reserved 2 tablespoons of basil pesto to add flavor and a glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake the wreath in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Slice into 12 individual portions while keeping the ring shape intact.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and cherry tomatoes to enhance the festive look.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and spreading.
- Feel free to use store-bought or homemade basil pesto based on preference.
- The wreath can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Optional garnishes add both appearance and fresh flavor but can be omitted if desired.
- Use parchment paper-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and aid cleanup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of wreath)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
