Name: Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American-European
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed); 3–4 tablespoons basil pesto; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash); Sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes

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Imagine the aroma of freshly baked pastry mingling with the bright, herby notes of basil pesto, all shaped into the most adorable holiday treats — that’s the magic of the Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe. With a flaky, golden crust and the irresistible savoriness of Parmesan and pesto, these festive bites are guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering. They come together quickly and look impressively whimsical, making them perfect for holiday parties, family movie nights, or even as a snack while you’re trimming the tree. Trust me, making these is as much fun as eating them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of basic ingredients to create show-stopping results with this Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role, from the buttery puff pastry that provides the signature flake to the pesto that delivers a hit of vibrant flavor. Here’s what makes each ingredient shine:

Puff pastry sheet: This is the flaky foundation for every tree, so make sure it’s fully thawed for best results.
Basil pesto (3–4 tablespoons): Choose a fragrant, high-quality pesto or make your own for the brightest flavor and color.
Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Adds a nutty, savory depth and encourages beautiful browning as they bake.
Egg (beaten, for egg wash): This gives the “trees” their irresistible golden finish and helps toppings stick.
Optional: Sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes for garnish: Sprinkle these on for extra texture, color, or a gentle kick of heat.

How to Make Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) — this ensures even, crisp baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe won’t stick and clean-up is effortless, which is always a win during the busy holidays!

Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Unfold your thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to gently roll it out just enough to even the edges and slightly increase the area, while keeping it thick enough for those signature flaky layers.

Step 3: Layer on the Flavor

Spread the basil pesto in a thin, even layer over the entire surface of the puff pastry. Be generous but careful not to overdo it — too much pesto can make the pastry soggy. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the top, ensuring every bite of your Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe packs a little cheesy magic.

Step 4: Fold and Slice

Carefully fold the pastry sheet in half lengthwise, like closing a book. This helps lock in the lush pesto and Parmesan, and creates the layers needed for that tree-like effect. Gently press down to seal the edges, then use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into strips about ½ inch wide.

Step 5: Shape Into Trees

Take each strip and give it several twists to form pretty, spiraled layers. Then, starting at the base, wind each strip back and forth, gradually tapering upward to shape a little tree. Place each finished tree onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving space in between so they bake up crisp.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Bake

Brush each tree lightly with the beaten egg — this gives that irresistible golden color. Sprinkle with your choice of sesame seeds or crushed red pepper for extra flavor and festive flair. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes until the trees are puffed and gloriously golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let your Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe cool slightly on the pan before serving. The pastry will be perfectly flaky with gooey pesto and pockets of Parmesan — just be ready for them to disappear fast!

How to Serve Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of extra Parmesan as they come out of the oven adds savory pizzazz, or scatter with finely chopped fresh herbs for holiday color. For extra crunch, a sprinkle of poppy seeds or even festive edible glitter can turn your Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe into a sparkling holiday centerpiece.

Side Dishes

Pair these trees with little bowls of marinara or chunky garlic dipping sauce for a zesty boost. They also go beautifully on a holiday appetizer board alongside olives, roasted vegetables, or a selection of cheeses. The savory, herby profile of this Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe plays well with fresh flavors and crisp veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For ultimate holiday magic, arrange the baked trees in a large circle on a platter to form a festive wreath, or stand them upright in a rustic mug lined with parchment. Pop a small star-shaped cracker or piece of yellow bell pepper on top of each for an extra-cute finish. However you present them, these trees are always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. The Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, as the pastry starts to soften after a while.

Freezing

Want to get a jump on your holiday prep? You can freeze the unbaked, shaped trees on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time. This keeps the Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe fresh and flaky every time.

Reheating

To re-crisp leftovers, pop the trees in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and flaky. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the pastry lose its signature crunch. A quick trip in the oven brings these little holiday bites back to life!

FAQs

Can I use homemade pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade pesto adds a fresh, personalized touch to your Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe. Just make sure to drain off any excess oil so the pastry doesn’t get soggy.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble and shape the trees, then refrigerate them on a tray (covered) for several hours before baking. This makes party prep for the Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe extra easy.

What can I use instead of Parmesan?

Try Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option with plenty of flavor. The recipe is easily customizable to your dietary needs.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Certainly! Use a vegan puff pastry, swap in a dairy-free pesto, and skip the egg wash (brush with plant milk instead). The results are still flaky, festive, and delicious.

My pastry got soggy — what happened?

If the pesto is too oily or thickly spread, it can cause the pastry to soften. Use a light hand with pesto, and bake the trees on the middle rack to ensure even heat and crispness.

Final Thoughts

If you want to spread some edible holiday cheer, look no further than this Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe. They’re quick to make, delightful to serve, and so much fun to eat. Give them a try this season — your family and friends will be asking for them year after year!

Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 12 mini trees 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees are a delightful and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Flaky puff pastry is filled with flavorful basil pesto and Parmesan cheese, twisted into cute tree shapes, and baked to golden perfection. These savory bites are sure to impress your guests and add a touch of holiday cheer to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry Christmas Trees:

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
3–4 tablespoons basil pesto
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Optional Garnish:

Sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface, spread pesto and Parmesan, fold in half, slice into strips, twist into tree shapes.
Bake: Place the trees on the baking sheet, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sesame seeds or red pepper flakes, and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and puffed.
Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.