Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
A stunning and delicious holiday appetizer that is surprisingly easy to make. Flaky puff pastry is layered with basil pesto and melted cheese, then shaped and baked into a festive Christmas tree. This showstopper is perfect for parties and will impress all your guests.
- Prep Time: 20min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Total Time: 40min
- Yield: 1 Christmas tree 1x
- Category: appetizer
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed but cold
1/2 cup basil pesto, store bought or homemade
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: 1/4 cup pine nuts or chopped sun dried tomatoes
For garnish: fresh basil leaves, rosemary sprigs, cherry tomatoes, coarse sea salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unfold one puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Spread pesto evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the pesto. Add optional pine nuts or sun dried tomatoes if using.
Place the second puff pastry sheet on top. Gently press edges to seal.
Cut the layered pastry into a large triangle for the tree and a small rectangle for the trunk. Arrange on the baking sheet.
Using kitchen scissors or a knife, make cuts along both sides of the tree, about 1 inch apart, leaving the center intact.
Twist each strip to form branches. Brush the entire tree with beaten egg.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before garnishing and serving.
Notes
Keep puff pastry cold for best results. Do not overfill with pesto or cheese to prevent sogginess. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 35