Cheesy Pesto Roll Wreath: A Festive Christmas Appetizer

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food! This Cheesy Pesto Roll Wreath is the perfect appetizer to impress your guests and get everyone in the holiday spirit. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and bursting with flavor. Imagine warm, fluffy rolls filled with vibrant pesto and gooey cheese, all arranged in a festive wreath shape. What could be more appealing?

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory pesto, melted cheese, and soft dough is simply irresistible. Plus, the wreath shape makes it a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table. Get ready to receive compliments on your culinary skills!

## Why This Cheesy Pesto Roll Wreath is Perfect for Christmas:

* **Festive and Eye-Catching:** The wreath shape is instantly recognizable and adds a touch of holiday cheer to any gathering.
* **Easy to Make:** Don’t be intimidated by the appearance! This recipe is surprisingly simple and requires minimal effort.
* **Crowd-Pleasing Flavors:** Pesto, cheese, and bread – a classic combination that everyone loves.
* **Versatile:** You can customize the fillings to your liking. Try different cheeses, add sun-dried tomatoes, or use a homemade pesto.
* **Make-Ahead Option:** Prepare the wreath ahead of time and bake it just before serving, saving you valuable time on the big day.

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

* **1 package (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough:** This provides the base for your rolls. You can also use refrigerated crescent roll dough sheets, or even homemade dough if you’re feeling ambitious.
* **1/2 cup pesto:** Use your favorite store-bought or homemade pesto. Freshly made pesto will always have the most vibrant flavor.
* **1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese:** This is the classic cheese for this recipe, but you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
* **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese:** Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the wreath.
* **2 tablespoons olive oil:** For brushing on the dough and baking sheet.
* **1 teaspoon garlic powder:** Enhances the savory flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning:** Adds a touch of aromatic herbs.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh rosemary sprigs, cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes for extra color and flavor.
* **1 egg:** For egg wash
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** for the top of the wreath.

## Equipment You’ll Need:

* **Baking sheet:** A large baking sheet is essential.
* **Parchment paper:** To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
* **Pizza cutter or knife:** For cutting the dough into strips.
* **Mixing bowl:** For combining the filling ingredients.
* **Pastry brush:** For brushing the dough with olive oil and egg wash.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

Follow these simple steps to create your own stunning Cheesy Pesto Roll Wreath:

**Step 1: Prepare the Dough**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
* Lightly brush the parchment paper with olive oil.
* Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. If using crescent roll dough, pinch seams to create one sheet.

**Step 2: Make the Filling**

* In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pesto, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
* Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

**Step 3: Assemble the Rolls**

* Brush the pizza dough with olive oil, leaving a small border around the edges.
* Spread the pesto cheese mixture evenly over the dough.
* Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into long strips, about 1-2 inches wide.
* Take one strip of dough and gently roll it up, starting from one end. Seal the end by pinching.
* Repeat with the remaining strips of dough.

**Step 4: Arrange the Wreath**

* Arrange the rolled dough strips in a circle on the prepared baking sheet, overlapping them slightly to form a wreath shape.
* Make sure the ends of the rolls are touching to create a seamless wreath.

**Step 5: Bake the Wreath**

* Whisk one egg with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash
* Brush the top of the wreath with the egg wash to give it a golden brown color.
* Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

* Remove the wreath from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
* Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and cherry tomatoes for a festive touch.
* Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips for Success:

* **Don’t overfill the rolls:** Too much filling can make the rolls difficult to roll and bake evenly.
* **Seal the ends of the rolls:** This will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
* **Arrange the rolls tightly:** This will help the wreath maintain its shape.
* **Bake until golden brown:** This ensures that the dough is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Let it cool slightly before serving:** This will make it easier to handle and prevent burns.

## Variations and Customization:

* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different cheeses such as provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
* **Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy and chewy element to the filling.
* **Use Homemade Pesto:** Freshly made pesto will always have the most vibrant flavor. Basil, arugula, or spinach pesto all work well.
* **Add Meat:** Include cooked and crumbled sausage, pepperoni, or ham for a heartier appetizer.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
* **Garlic Herb Butter:** Brush the baked wreath with a garlic herb butter for extra flavor.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pizza dough or crescent roll dough.
* **Change the Shape:** While a wreath is festive, you can also arrange the rolls in a circle or even a spiral shape.

## Make-Ahead Instructions:

This Cheesy Pesto Roll Wreath can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules. Here’s how:

* Assemble the wreath as instructed, but don’t bake it.
* Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* When ready to bake, remove the wreath from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
* Bake as directed.

## Serving Suggestions:

This Cheesy Pesto Roll Wreath is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your appetizer spread:

* **Serve with Marinara Sauce:** A warm marinara sauce is the perfect dipping accompaniment.
* **Offer a Variety of Dips:** Provide a selection of dips such as ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a creamy pesto dip.
* **Serve Alongside a Cheese Board:** Create a festive cheese board with a variety of cheeses, crackers, and fruits.
* **Pair with Wine:** A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the flavors of this appetizer.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate):

* Calories: 250-300 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 15-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
* Protein: 10-15 grams

*Please note that this is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion:

This Cheesy Pesto Roll Wreath is a guaranteed hit at any Christmas gathering. It’s easy to make, visually appealing, and packed with delicious flavors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to impress your family, this appetizer is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a festive and flavorful masterpiece! Happy baking and happy holidays!

## Recipe Card

**Cheesy Pesto Roll Wreath: A Festive Christmas Appetizer**

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20-25 minutes
**Total Time:** 40-45 minutes
**Servings:** 8-10

**Ingredients:**

* 1 package (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
* 1/2 cup pesto
* 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* Optional Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs, cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes
* 1 egg
* Everything Bagel seasoning

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and brush with olive oil.
2. Unroll pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. If using crescent roll dough, pinch seams to create one sheet.
3. In a bowl, combine pesto, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
4. Brush dough with olive oil, leaving a small border. Spread pesto mixture evenly over the dough.
5. Cut dough into 1-2 inch wide strips. Roll up each strip from one end and seal the end by pinching.
6. Arrange rolled strips in a circle on the baking sheet, overlapping slightly to form a wreath. Make sure the ends are touching.
7. Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush the top of the wreath with egg wash.
8. Sprinkle Everything Bagel Seasoning evenly over the wreath.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
10. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and cherry tomatoes (optional). Serve warm.

**Notes:**

* Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
* Customize with different cheeses, meats, or spices to your liking.

Enjoy your festive Cheesy Pesto Roll Wreath!