Description
Crescent Roll Tomato-Basil Squares are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring layers of creamy seasoned cheese, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic basil sandwiched between golden baked crescent roll dough. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these savory squares combine rich flavors and a delightful texture with minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough, 8 ounces each
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes, finely diced and seeds removed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Bottom Crust: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, making sure to seal any perforations to create a solid crust.
- Bake Bottom Crust: Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes until it turns lightly golden, then remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Spread Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the baked crescent roll crust, creating a flavorful base layer.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the cream cheese layer to add richness and texture.
- Prepare Tomato Topping: In a separate bowl, toss the finely diced Roma tomatoes with olive oil and a pinch of salt to enhance their flavor and reduce moisture.
- Add Tomatoes and Basil: Scatter the seasoned diced tomatoes evenly over the cheese layers, then sprinkle thinly sliced fresh basil leaves on top for a fresh herbal note.
- Top with Second Dough Layer: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and gently stretch it to cover the filling. Lay it over the filling and pinch the seams together to seal the edges completely.
- Bake Final Layer: Bake the entire assembly for 18 to 22 minutes until the top layer of dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked squares to cool slightly before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Cherry tomatoes can be used instead of Roma tomatoes for a sweeter, juicier bite.
- These squares can be served warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion.
