If you love basil and flaky crescent dough, this collection of Pesto Crescent Rolls are going to be a favorite.
They’re simple to make, full of savory pesto flavor, and perfect when you need easy hors d’oeuvres using crescent rolls for parties, holidays, or casual get-togethers.
Whether you serve these Crescent Roll Recipes as a light snack, on a cheese board, or as part of your appetizer spread, these bite-size party treats always disappear fast.
This recipe roundup has been refreshed with updated details, helpful FAQs, and new information to help you make the best pesto crescent roll appetizers.
At-a-Glance: Appetizers with Pesto
What You’ll Find: A flavorful collection of easy appetizer ideas featuring basil pesto paired with flaky crescent dough for delicious, bite-size party snacks.
Why You’ll Love It: These appetizers come together quickly, look impressive on any platter, and deliver big savory flavor with simple ingredients. They’re reliable crowd-pleasers that always disappear fast.
Perfect For: Holiday parties, New Year’s Eve celebrations, potlucks, family gatherings, and anytime you need easy hors d’oeuvres using crescent rolls.
Pro Tip: Many of these can be assembled ahead of time and baked right before serving — and a sprinkle of Parmesan or everything seasoning adds extra flavor and flair.
Looking for more Easy Appetizers using crescent rolls ? Try my Zucchini Crescent Pie, Pepperoni Crescent Rolls, Crescent Roll Carrots with Garlic Spinach Spread or my collection of Easy Appetizers with Pillsbury Crescent Rolls.
Table of Contents
What is Pesto?
- Pesto is a flavorful Italian sauce traditionally made with fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and Parmesan cheese.
- It’s usually blended in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy and is most commonly served over pasta.
- But pesto is much more versatile than many people realize! You can spoon it over chicken, steak, pork, stir it into salad dressing, drizzled over grilled kabobs, spread it on sandwiches, or use it in baked recipes.
- And of course, it’s delicious in appetizers like my Christmas Tree Pesto Puff Pastry Appetizer and these pesto crescent roll bites. You can make pesto homemade or use your favorite store-bought jar.
What to Do With Leftover Basil or Pesto
- Have extra fresh basil? Don’t let it go to waste. Turn it into basil ice cubes so you can use it later in soups, sauces, or even your next batch of pesto.
- Chop basil, pack into ice cube trays, and cover with olive oil or water before freezing.
- Leftover pesto can be frozen, too. Freeze in small portions so you can thaw only what you need.
Helpful Tip for Using Store-Bought Pesto
If you’re using store-bought pesto and it’s been sitting in your pantry or fridge, give it a really good stir before using. The oil often separates, and mixing it helps bring back the best flavor and texture.
Can I Use Different Pesto Flavors?
- Traditional basil pesto is always delicious, but you can easily swap in other pesto varieties depending on what you like or what you have on hand.
- Sun-dried tomato pesto adds a slightly sweeter, richer flavor that pairs beautifully with flaky crescent dough.
- Kale or spinach pesto gives a milder taste and a beautiful green color while still adding great flavor.
- You can also try flavored pestos like lemon, roasted garlic, or mixed herb blends—most of them work the same way in crescent roll appetizers, so feel free to experiment.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pesto & Appetizers
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Pesto is traditionally served with pasta, but it pairs beautifully with so many other foods too. You can spoon it over grilled chicken, pork, or steak, spread it on sandwiches or burgers, mix it into salad dressing, or use it in appetizers like these pesto crescent roll bites. It adds instant flavor wherever you use it.
Homemade pesto usually lasts about 3–5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Store-bought pesto typically lasts a bit longer, but always check the label for guidance. If you won’t use it in time, freeze pesto in ice cube trays, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag as it keeps well and is easy to grab for recipes later.
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LOVE these recipes? SAVE them for Later!
❤️Tap the heart icon in the lower right corner to add them to your recipe box.
Made any of them? A quick star rating or short review is always appreciated.
Want to save them on paper? The Ultimate Meal Planner & Recipe Binder helps you keep recipes organized in one easy place.
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