Description
This Cheese Lovers Antipasto Wreath is a visually stunning and irresistibly delicious appetizer perfect for gatherings. Featuring a flaky crescent roll dough stuffed with a creamy blend of cream cheese and mozzarella, layered with savory salami, pepperoni, olives, and fresh cherry tomatoes, all seasoned with Italian herbs and baked to golden perfection. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines easy preparation with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough and Cheese
- 1 package of crescent roll dough
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
Meats and Vegetables
- 1 cup of sliced salami
- 1 cup of sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup of olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
Seasonings and Finishing
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the wreath evenly.
- Prepare Dough Base: Roll out the crescent roll dough into a large circle on a baking sheet, forming the base for the wreath.
- Spread Cream Cheese: Evenly spread the softened cream cheese over the entire surface of the dough circle to create a creamy, rich layer.
- Layer Fillings: Arrange shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cream cheese, followed by slices of salami, pepperoni, olives, and halved cherry tomatoes, distributing all ingredients uniformly.
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle Italian seasoning atop the layered ingredients to infuse the wreath with classic Italian flavors.
- Seal the Wreath: Carefully fold the edges of the crescent dough over the filling and pinch them together tightly to seal all the ingredients inside, forming the wreath shape.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the surface of the wrapped dough with beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden-brown shine when baked.
- Bake: Place the prepared wreath in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the dough is cooked through and has a golden-brown crust.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the wreath from the oven and let it cool slightly to set before slicing and serving as an appetizing centerpiece.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and pepperoni and add more vegetables like roasted peppers and artichokes.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for easy spreading and better texture.
- Use room temperature egg for the egg wash to ensure an even glossy finish.
- Cherry tomatoes add freshness, but can be substituted with sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the antipasto experience.
