Description
These Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees are a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Flaky puff pastry is layered with creamy cream cheese, vibrant basil pesto, and shredded cheese, then folded into charming tree shapes and baked until golden and crispy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 roll Puff Pastry
Fillings
- 3-4 tablespoons Basil Pesto
- 3-4 tablespoons Cream Cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Shredded Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the pastry evenly and achieving a golden crust.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet over parchment paper to keep it from sticking and to make it easier to handle.
- Add Fillings: Spread the cream cheese evenly over the puff pastry, then spread the basil pesto on top of that layer using a spoon or spatula to distribute the flavors uniformly.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the pesto-covered pastry to add extra flavor and a golden finish when baked.
- Cut into Strips: Using a knife or wheel cutter, cut the puff pastry into strips about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide to form individual tree shapes.
- Shape Trees: Fold the strips into Christmas tree shapes. You may leave them as is or insert a skewer in the middle for additional support and presentation, as desired.
- Bake: Place the shaped puff pastry trees onto a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
Notes
- You can omit the cream cheese for a pesto and cheese-only version.
- Use any shredded cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan, for varied flavors.
- Insert a skewer or toothpick for easier handling and serving if desired.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
- These appetizers freeze well before baking; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1-2 trees)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
