Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

Introduction

This Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a festive and delicious appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh basil flavor, it’s sure to impress your guests with both its look and taste.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1/4 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry sheet onto a parchment-lined baking tray.
3. Step 3: Spread the basil pesto evenly over the puff pastry.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto layer.
5. Step 5: Top with the second sheet of puff pastry and press lightly to seal.
6. Step 6: Cut the pastry into a Christmas tree shape and make slits on both sides to create branches.
7. Step 7: Twist each branch gently to create a tree effect.
8. Step 8: Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
9. Step 9: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
10. Step 10: Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor, or make your own by blending fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil.
• Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or sliced olives under the pesto for extra color and flavor.
• If puff pastry is too difficult to shape, cut small triangles instead of large slits for easier twisting.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Puff pastry is best enjoyed fresh, so serve soon after baking if possible.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the tree and keep it refrigerated for a few hours before baking, but puff pastry works best when baked fresh for maximum puff and crispness.

What if I don’t have basil pesto?

You can substitute with other spreads like spinach dip, tapenade, or even a simple mixture of garlic and olive oil combined with fresh herbs.

Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 58 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This delightful Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a festive and savory appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of flaky puff pastry are spread with aromatic basil pesto and melted mozzarella cheese, then shaped into a whimsical Christmas tree and baked to golden perfection. Easy to make and irresistibly cheesy, this recipe adds a seasonal touch to any party menu.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Filling

• 1/4 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Finishing

• 1 egg, beaten

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully heat to ensure even baking.
2. Roll out the pastry: Place the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a parchment-lined baking tray and gently roll it out to smooth the surface and even thickness.
3. Spread the pesto: Evenly spread 1/4 cup of basil pesto over the entire surface of the puff pastry, ensuring flavor distribution.
4. Add the cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pesto layer for a rich, gooey filling.
5. Seal with second pastry sheet: Place a second sheet of puff pastry on top and press lightly all around to seal the edges and the filling inside.
6. Shape the tree: Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into a Christmas tree shape carefully, then make slits along the sides to form branches.
7. Twist the branches: Gently twist each cut branch outward to create a layered, textured tree effect.
8. Apply egg wash: Brush the entire top of the shaped pastry with beaten egg to achieve a shiny, golden finish when baked.
9. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and fully puffed.
10. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to allow the cheese to set and avoid burns.

Notes

• For best results, keep the puff pastry cold until ready to use to prevent it from becoming sticky or tough.
• You can substitute basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor twist.
• If you don’t have two sheets of puff pastry, halve the recipe or layer carefully with one sheet folded.
• Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife for cleaner cuts of the pastry tree and branches.
• This appetizer pairs well with a simple marinara dipping sauce or extra pesto on the side.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: basil pesto, cheesy puff pastry, Christmas tree appetizer, holiday recipe, festive snack, mozzarella, puff pastry appetizer