Description
This Pesto & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is the ultimate holiday showstopper golden, flaky, and stuffed with gooey melted cheese and fragrant basil pesto. It’s surprisingly simple to make yet looks beautifully festive on any holiday table. Perfect as an appetizer, centerpiece, or even a fun snack to share while decorating the tree!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 4 tbsp basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- Optional garnishes: rosemary sprigs, red pepper flakes, pomegranate seeds, or cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the pastry: Thaw puff pastry at room temperature for 30–40 minutes until pliable. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly flour your surface.
- Assemble the layers: Roll out both pastry sheets slightly to even their edges. Spread pesto evenly over one sheet. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pesto. Top with the second pastry sheet and gently press to seal.
- Shape the tree: Trim into a large triangle to form a Christmas tree shape. Cut horizontal strips along both sides, leaving the center intact to form the “trunk.”
- Twist the branches: Carefully twist each strip away from the center, forming the tree’s branches. Use the pastry scraps to cut a star for the tree topper.
- Brush and bake: Beat the egg with water to make an egg wash. Brush the entire tree and star. Bake for 20–25 minutes, rotating halfway through until puffed and golden brown. Tent with foil if edges brown too quickly.
- Finish and serve: Garnish with rosemary sprigs, flaky sea salt, or pomegranate seeds. Allow to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the tree up to a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Brush with egg wash right before baking for best results.
- Baking Evenly: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even puffing and browning. Every oven can heat slightly differently!
- Avoid the Microwave: Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to keep that lovely crisp pastry texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Snack / Party Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European / Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 branch (1/8 of tree)
- Calories: ~210 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: puff pastry tree, pesto pastry, holiday appetizer, Christmas snack, festive recipe