Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe

Introduction

I made Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees for a holiday gathering, and they were an instant hit! These little trees are not only adorable but also incredibly tasty. The combination of flaky puff pastry, aromatic basil pesto, and savory Parmesan cheese makes for the perfect bite-sized treat. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy they were to make and how much everyone loved them. My family enjoyed them as a savory appetizer to kick off the holiday meal, and they also worked wonderfully on a charcuterie board. They are perfect for any festive occasion, from Christmas dinners to New Year’s Eve parties, and they are sure to impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees

Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees are a fun, festive, and flavorful appetizer that adds a touch of elegance to any holiday spread. The flaky, buttery puff pastry is a great base for the herby basil pesto and salty Parmesan cheese. These mini “trees” are not only visually stunning but also pack a punch of flavor in every bite. They are easy to make, quick to bake, and have that perfect balance of crispy, savory goodness.

What makes these Christmas trees even more appealing is their versatility. You can adjust the amount of pesto or Parmesan to suit your taste. They’re also highly customizable—feel free to add a bit of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives to the filling for a unique twist. Whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a dish to share, these puff pastry pesto trees are bound to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re a delightful way to celebrate the holidays with a light yet savory treat.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
• 3-4 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Skewers (optional, for shaping the trees)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Thaw Pastry:
   If you’re using frozen puff pastry, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes until pliable and easy to work with.
2. Spread the Filling:
   On a flat surface, unroll the puff pastry and spread a thin, even layer of basil pesto over the entire surface. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pesto for a rich, cheesy flavor.

Step 2: Shape the Trees

1. Cut the Pastry:
   Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Each strip will form a part of the tree.
2. Create Tree Shapes:
   Pierce one end of each strip with a skewer (optional) and fold the strip back and forth in a zigzag pattern to create the tree shape. Make sure the strips are folded tightly so they hold their shape while baking. Pierce the final end of the strip onto the skewer to secure the tree shape.

Step 3: Bake the Trees

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Add Egg Wash:
   Place the pastry trees on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each one lightly with the beaten egg to give the trees a beautiful golden color when baked.
3. Bake:
   Bake the trees for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-brown.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cool Slightly:
   Allow the trees to cool slightly before serving to ensure the filling sets and they are easy to eat.
2. Garnish:
   Optionally garnish with extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper also adds a nice touch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 trees (1 tree per serving)

Calories per serving: 120 calories

(Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Per Serving:

• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 15-18 minutes
• Total time: 30-33 minutes

How to Serve

• As an appetizer: Serve these puff pastry pesto trees as part of a holiday appetizer spread. They’re perfect for any festive gathering, adding flavor and a decorative touch to your table.
• On a charcuterie board: These pinwheels can be added to your charcuterie board alongside meats, cheeses, olives, and fruits.
• With a dipping sauce: Pair these trees with a side of marinara sauce, garlic butter, or balsamic glaze for added flavor.
• As a snack or side dish: These little pesto trees are great on their own or as a side to soups and salads.

Additional Tips

1. Customize the filling: You can experiment by adding other ingredients to the pesto layer, such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even a bit of garlic for extra flavor.
2. Use homemade pesto: While store-bought pesto works perfectly, homemade pesto adds an extra layer of freshness and depth of flavor. Use fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan for a delicious homemade version.
3. Make ahead: You can prepare the trees in advance, shape them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to brush them with the egg wash right before baking.
4. Don’t overfill the pastry: Make sure the pesto and cheese are spread evenly without overfilling. This will prevent the trees from becoming soggy during baking.
5. Serve at room temperature: While they’re delicious fresh out of the oven, these puff pastry pesto trees are also fantastic when served at room temperature.

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, frozen puff pastry works great for this recipe. Just make sure it is fully thawed before use.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Parmesan is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Asiago, mozzarella, or cheddar for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I use homemade pesto?
Yes, homemade pesto is a wonderful option for these trees and adds an extra layer of flavor. Use fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese for the best results.

4. How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensure you use a thin, even layer of pesto and avoid overfilling. Also, make sure the puff pastry is fully cooked and golden brown before serving.

5. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the trees up to the point of baking, refrigerate them, and then bake when you’re ready to serve.

6. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make these trees vegan by using a plant-based puff pastry, vegan pesto, and skipping the egg wash or using a plant-based alternative.

7. What can I serve these trees with?
These puff pastry pesto trees pair well with a variety of dips such as marinara sauce, balsamic glaze, or garlic butter.

8. Can I freeze these trees before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped trees on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

9. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme?
Yes, you can substitute ½ teaspoon of dried thyme for the fresh thyme, but fresh herbs will always give the best flavor.

10. How long do leftovers keep?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to maintain the crispy texture.

Conclusion

Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees are a delightful and festive appetizer that combines the richness of pesto, the nuttiness of Parmesan cheese, and the flakiness of puff pastry into a beautiful holiday treat. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, as part of a brunch, or on a charcuterie board, these little trees are sure to impress. The recipe is simple, quick, and offers plenty of room for customization, making it the perfect addition to any holiday spread. Try making these for your next gathering, and watch them disappear in no time!

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