Description
These Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees are a festive and savory treat perfect for the holiday season! With a crisp, flaky puff pastry base, vibrant basil pesto, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, these little trees are sure to impress at any gathering. Easy to make and visually stunning, they make the perfect appetizer or addition to your holiday spread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Thaw Pastry: If using frozen puff pastry, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes until pliable.
- Spread the Filling: On a flat surface, unroll the puff pastry and spread a thin, even layer of basil pesto over it. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the pesto.
- Shape the Trees:
- Cut the Pastry: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
- 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 a tree shape. Pierce the final end onto the skewer to secure the shape.
- Bake the Trees:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add Egg Wash: Place the pastry trees on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each tree lightly with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the trees to cool slightly before serving.
- Optionally garnish with extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: You can experiment by adding a little garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the pesto for a bit more flavor.
- Make ahead: These trees can be assembled and kept in the fridge for a few hours before baking, making them a convenient choice for parties.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these as a savory appetizer, alongside other holiday treats like cheese platters, crackers, and a selection of dips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tree (approx. 1 strip)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg