Cheesy Pesto Christmas Trees: A Festive Puff Pastry Appetiser Recipe
Celebrate the festive season with these delightful Cheesy Pesto Christmas Trees, a fun and easy puff pastry appetizer. Crisp, golden puff pastry layers are filled with fragrant basil pesto and melted mozzarella cheese, shaped into charming Christmas tree shapes with a crunchy pretzel stick trunk. Perfect for holiday parties or as a whimsical snack, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests with their flavor and festive presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 Cheesy Pesto Christmas Trees 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western, European
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry and Filling
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 3 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup (100 g) grated mozzarella or tasty cheese
For Finishing
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sesame or poppy seeds (optional, for decoration)
- Small skewers or pretzel sticks (for “tree trunks”)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced) and line two baking trays with baking paper. Lay one sheet of puff pastry flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin, even layer of basil pesto over the entire surface, ensuring it reaches the edges. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto layer.
- Add the Second Pastry Sheet: Place the second sheet of puff pastry directly on top of the first, pressing down gently so the layers adhere together.
- Shape the Christmas Trees: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the layered pastry into long strips about 2 cm wide, with each strip forming one tree. Starting from the top, fold the strip back and forth in a zigzag pattern to resemble a narrowing Christmas tree. Insert a small skewer or pretzel stick at the base to hold the shape together for the tree trunk.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Transfer the shaped trees onto the prepared baking trays. Lightly brush each with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked. If desired, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top for extra texture and decoration.
- Bake: Bake the trees in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes until the puff pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly. Watch carefully as the edges crisp up beautifully.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cheesy pesto trees to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, paired with your favorite dips like tomato relish, aioli, or pesto mayo.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the puff pastry sheets are well thawed but still cold for easier handling.
- You can use homemade basil pesto or a store-bought variety depending on your preference.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as tasty cheddar or a mix for varied flavors.
- Use sesame or poppy seeds not only for decoration but also for a subtle nutty flavor.
- These appetizers are best served fresh but can be reheated gently in the oven to regain crispness.
- Small skewers or pretzel sticks help maintain the tree shape and add an edible ‘trunk’ for fun presentation.
Keywords: cheesy pesto Christmas trees, festive appetizers, puff pastry recipe, holiday snacks, easy Christmas appetizers, pesto and cheese pastry
