Description
These Crescent Roll Tomato-Basil Squares are a delicious and easy appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Featuring a flaky crescent roll crust layered with a creamy cheese mixture, fresh ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, they combine classic flavors in a visually appealing and tasty bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Base: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the dish, ensuring to seal any seams to prevent leakage.
- Bake Base Crust: Bake the pressed crescent roll dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it is lightly golden. This pre-baking step helps to create a sturdy crust that holds up to the toppings.
- Make Cheese Filling: While the base is baking, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined to form a creamy filling.
- Assemble Layers: Remove the baked crust from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the baked crescent roll base. Arrange the thin tomato slices on top, slightly overlapping them for even coverage. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for seasoning. Finally, top with the chopped fresh basil leaves for fresh herb flavor.
- Add Top Crust: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough carefully and place it over the layered filling, sealing the edges to encase the topping mixture inside.
- Bake Completely: Bake the entire assembled square for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top crust is golden brown and puffed, indicating that the filling is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes to set before slicing into 12 squares. Serve warm or at room temperature as a flavorful appetizer.
Notes
- For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle the finished squares with a little balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Using Roma or plum tomatoes is recommended as they have less moisture, helping to keep the squares from becoming soggy.
- These squares are versatile and can be served warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
