It takes about 20 minutes to assemble the tree before it goes into the oven. Baking the rolls close together helps them rise up and fuse into a single pull-apart loaf that guests can easily share.
Why this works
- Using refrigerated crescent dough removes the need for yeast, kneading, or rising time.
- Cutting the dough triangles in half yields smaller, bite-sized rolls that fit well on a serving platter.
- Baking the rolls with their sides touching creates soft interior edges that pull apart easily.
Ingredients you'll need
- Crescent roll dough: Look for the standard 8-count tubes of refrigerated dough. Do not buy the seamless dough sheets for this recipe.
- Garlic and herb cheese: You need a soft, spreadable cheese like Boursin. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to make it easier to spoon.
- Butter: Melted salted butter adds flavor to the baked crust. You can use unsalted butter and a pinch of salt if you prefer.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped flat-leaf or curly parsley adds a bright green garnish that looks like pine needles.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to make it
Step 1: Prep the dough
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into the original triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise to create long, narrow strips.
Step 2: Fill and roll
Spoon the soft cheese onto the wide end of each dough strip. Roll the dough up toward the pointed end, keeping the cheese tucked inside.
Step 3: Arrange the tree
Place four rolls at the bottom of a parchment-lined pan to form a trunk. Build the tree above it by placing a row of seven rolls, then six, decreasing by one until a single roll sits at the top.
Step 4: Bake and garnish
Bake the bread until the rolls are deep golden brown. Brush the warm bread with melted butter and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top.
Serve it with
Serve this savory bread alongside a warm marinara dipping sauce or a bowl of creamy tomato soup.
Storage and reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes until warm.
FAQ
Can I assemble this bread ahead of time?
You can assemble the tree on the baking sheet, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dough is very cold.
Can I use a different filling?
Yes, you can fill the rolls with cream cheese mixed with spinach, or use a small spoonful of pesto instead of the garlic and herb cheese.
How do I move the baked tree to a serving platter?
Slide the entire sheet of parchment paper with the bread onto your platter. Gently lift one edge of the bread and slowly pull the paper out from underneath.
