Save A festive and savory puff pastry shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with herbed cheese and pesto. Perfect for holiday gatherings and sure to impress your guests.
I first made this for a family holiday party and everyone loved how easy it was to prepare and how impressive it looked on the table.
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry: 2 sheets (about 250 g each) puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- Filling: 120 g cream cheese, softened , 2 tbsp basil pesto , 1 garlic clove, minced , 30 g grated Parmesan cheese , 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley , Salt and pepper, to taste
- Topping: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) , 1 tbsp sesame seeds , 1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, pesto, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Step 3:
- Unroll one puff pastry sheet on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a 1 cm border.
- Step 4:
- Place the second puff pastry sheet on top, pressing gently to seal.
- Step 5:
- Using a sharp knife, cut the shape of a large Christmas tree (triangle with a trunk) through both layers. Remove excess pastry and save for decorations.
- Step 6:
- Starting from the bottom of the tree, cut horizontal strips (about 2 cm wide) on both sides, leaving the center intact as the trunk.
- Step 7:
- Twist each strip away from the center 2–3 times to form branches.
- Step 8:
- Use leftover pastry to cut out stars or ornaments and place them on the tree.
- Step 9:
- Brush the entire tree with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and poppy seeds.
- Step 10:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- Step 11:
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save This recipe always brings my family together, enjoying the festive spirit while munching on this delicious appetizer.
Notes
Delicious served with a sparkling white wine or festive cocktail.
Required Tools
Baking sheet , Parchment paper , Sharp knife , Pastry brush , Mixing bowl
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten), Milk, Egg . May contain traces of nuts (in pesto) . Check all product labels for potential allergens.
Save Enjoy this festive appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I shape the puff pastry into a Christmas tree?
After layering the puff pastry sheets with the filling, cut a tree shape, then make horizontal cuts on each side to create branches. Twist each strip outward to form the tree’s branches.
- → Can I prepare this appetizer in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the pastry and refrigerate it for up to a few hours before baking to keep it fresh and save time during your event.
- → What can I use instead of basil pesto?
Sun-dried tomato pesto or tapenade are excellent alternatives that bring a different but complementary flavor profile to the filling.
- → How do I achieve a golden, crispy finish?
Brush the pastry with beaten egg before baking and sprinkle with sesame and poppy seeds for added texture and color.
- → Is there a non-vegetarian option for this dish?
Yes, adding thin slices of prosciutto or other cured meats inside the filling can provide a savory non-vegetarian variation.