Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Get ready to wow your guests with this festive Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree, a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table. Made with golden, flaky layers of pastry filled with vibrant basil pesto and melty cheese, it’s one of those irresistible party savory snacks that disappears fast.
Perfect for holiday entertaining, this recipe fits beautifully into collections of sweet and savory pastries, pastry starters, and creative pastry party ideas.
Served as fancy party finger foods or alongside other pastry snacks, this flaky pastry recipe savoury also pairs well with classic appetizers pie crust ideas or even puff pastry rounds for a varied party spread. Ideal for Christmas gatherings, it’s a festive bite everyone will love.
Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- To make the basil pesto, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the sheet of puff pastry to smoothen it and make it a little thinner.
- Cut the puff pastry into a Christmas tree shape, starting with a triangle that tapers toward the top. Reserve leftover pastry for decorations.
- Layer the pesto on one half of the tree shape, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto layer.
- Fold the other half of the puff pastry over the filling to create a sandwich shape. Press down around the edges to seal.
- Use a sharp knife to make small cuts in the pastry on each side to create branches, being careful not to cut through the center.
- Twist each branch to create a decorative look, ensuring the filling stays intact.
- Brush the entire surface with the beaten egg for a golden-brown finish.
- Cut out small star shapes from leftover pastry for decoration and brush with egg wash as well.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Allow the pastry tree to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love This Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
This Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s visually stunning, easy to make, and packed with flavor. The aromatic basil pesto blends effortlessly with the melted mozzarella and Parmesan, providing a combination of tastes that will leave everyone wanting more. Plus, it’s a fun and interactive dish that encourages guests to pull apart the branches and enjoy the delightful fillings within.
How to Make Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Flour (for dusting)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- To make the basil pesto, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the sheet of puff pastry to smoothen it and make it a little thinner.
- Cut the puff pastry into a Christmas tree shape. Start by cutting out a triangle with a width at the bottom that resembles a tree, tapering it toward the top. Reserve leftover pastry for decorations.
- Layer the pesto on one half of the tree shape, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto layer.
- Fold the other half of the puff pastry over the filling to create a sandwich shape. Press down around the edges to seal.
- Use a sharp knife to make small cuts in the pastry on each side of the “tree” to create branches. Be careful not to cut through the center.
- Twist each branch to create a decorative look. Make sure the filling stays intact.
- Brush the entire surface of the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden-brown finish when baking.
- If you have leftover puff pastry, you can cut out small star shapes or ornaments to decorate the top of the tree. Brush these with egg wash as well.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Allow the pastry tree to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm as an appetizer or festive snack.
How to Serve Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
This Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is best served warm and fresh from the oven. You can present it on a large platter for maximum visual impact. Pair it with a side of extra pesto or marinara sauce for dipping. This dish also makes for a vibrant centerpiece on your holiday table, attracting everyone’s attention and appetites.
How to Store Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
To store any leftovers, allow the pastry tree to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Tips to Make Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Perfect
- Ensure the puff pastry is thoroughly thawed before handling to avoid cracking.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the pesto.
- Substitute the pine nuts with walnuts or pecans if you prefer a different nut flavor.
- Make sure to seal the edges well to keep the filling intact during baking.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to experiment with the flavors in this recipe. Add sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even cooked spinach to the pesto for added depth. You can also swap the mozzarella for cheddar or gouda for a different cheesy flavor. For a meat option, consider adding chopped turkey bacon or chicken ham for extra heartiness.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor. Dried basil lacks the vibrant taste crucial to this recipe.
- When cutting the tree shape, ensure even branches for a more uniform look.
- Don’t rush the cooling process; letting it sit for a few minutes helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to slice.
FAQs About Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Can I make the pesto ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the basil pesto a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a good stir before using.
Can I freeze the Christmas tree before baking?
Absolutely! Assemble the puff pastry tree and freeze it unbaked. When ready to serve, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with the Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree?
This dish pairs well with various options. You can serve it alongside a fresh salad, charcuterie board, or your favorite dipping sauces, like marinara or garlic aioli.
Final Thoughts
The Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a fun and festive dish that’s sure to impress family and friends at your holiday gatherings. Its combination of flaky pastry, fresh basil, and cheese creates a harmonious blend that tastes as good as it looks. With easy preparation and endless customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to year after year. Enjoy making this stunning appetizer, and watch it disappear from your table in no time!
