Introduction

These Festive Guacamole Appetizers are a fun and tasty way to celebrate any occasion. Crunchy crescent dough triangles topped with creamy guacamole and colorful pepper decorations make these tree-shaped bites perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.

The image shows multiple triangular pieces of golden toast arranged like small Christmas trees on a white marbled board. Each toast slice has a layer of smooth light green spread topped with finely chopped green herbs and diced red and green bell peppers. Thin pretzel sticks are inserted at the base of each triangle to look like tree trunks. A bright yellow star-shaped slice sits at the top of each toast, adding a festive touch. To the side, a white plate with thin black lines has one of the decorated toast triangles displayed. The background features a black and white checkered cloth on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated seamless crescent dough sheet
1-1/2 teaspoons taco seasoning, divided

20 pretzel sticks, broken in half
4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup guacamole
2 medium sweet yellow peppers

1 medium sweet red pepper
1 medium green pepper
Chopped fresh cilantro, optional

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°. On an ungreased baking sheet, unroll one tube of crescent dough and press it into a 13×8-inch rectangle. Prick the dough with a fork and sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon of taco seasoning. Repeat with the second dough tube and remaining seasoning.
Step 2: Bake both dough rectangles until golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Transfer to wire racks and allow to cool completely.
Step 3: Cut each rectangle crosswise into 4 strips (about 8×4 inches each). Cut each strip into 5 triangles for the trees, saving the scraps for another use. Insert a pretzel half into the base of each triangle to form the tree trunks.

Step 4: Beat together the cream cheese and guacamole until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the crescent dough triangles.
Step 5: Halve and seed the peppers. Use a 3/4-inch star-shaped cookie cutter to cut 40 stars from the yellow peppers. Dice and julienne the red and green peppers for decorating the trees.
Step 6: Decorate the guacamole-covered triangles with the pepper pieces and stars to mimic ornaments and tree lights. Add chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Step 7: Refrigerate the appetizers until ready to serve to keep them fresh and flavorful.

Tips & Variations

Use colorful bell peppers or other mild vegetables to create vibrant decorations that suit your taste and celebration theme.
For a spicier kick, mix in a bit of finely chopped jalapeño to the guacamole cream cheese spread.

If you don’t have a star-shaped cutter, try using small cookie cutters in other festive shapes or simply dice the peppers into small pieces for decoration.
Make this recipe ahead and assemble the decorations just before serving to keep the peppers crisp and fresh.

Storage

Store the assembled appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The crescent dough base is best enjoyed fresh, so avoid storing for longer to prevent sogginess. Serve chilled or at room temperature by letting them sit out for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows several small triangular pieces of toasted bread cut into the shape of Christmas trees, each with three visible layers: a golden-brown crispy base, a creamy green spread on top, and colorful vegetable decorations including small diced red and green peppers or thin slices of green and red bell peppers arranged like tree garlands. Each tree has a small yellow star cut from a vegetable placed at the top and a small pretzel stick at the bottom acting as a tree trunk. The trees are placed on a white marbled rectangular board with some scattered chopped herbs around, and one tree piece is on a white plate with a thin black line on the edge. The scene is set over a black and white checked cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the crescent dough base ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the crescent dough bases a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, then assemble the toppings before serving to keep the guacamole fresh.

What can I substitute for pretzel sticks?

If pretzel sticks aren’t available, thin breadsticks or sturdy vegetable sticks like celery can be used to create the tree trunks, but pretzels add a nice salty crunch that complements the creamy guacamole.