If you’re searching for a festive, fun, and absolutely delicious appetizer to wow your guests, then you have to try this Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe. It’s a playful twist on classic flavors, combining flaky puff pastry with vibrant, herbaceous basil pesto and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that perfect savory bite. These adorable, golden trees are not only easy to make but make every holiday gathering feel extra special. From their delightful aroma while baking to the satisfying crunch with each bite, this recipe is destined to become a new seasonal favorite you’ll love sharing year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients for this Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe is wonderfully simple, but each element plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and festive appeal. The puff pastry creates a buttery, flaky base, while pesto adds that bright, herby punch, and Parmesan gives a nutty, savory finish.
- Puff pastry sheet: Provides the light, flaky layers that form the tree shapes beautifully when baked.
- Basil pesto (3-4 tablespoons): Infuses rich herbal flavor and vibrant green color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Adds a sharp, salty bite and enhances the overall taste complexity.
- Egg, beaten: Used for egg wash to create that irresistible golden, glossy finish.
- Skewers (optional): Helpful to hold and shape the trees for a perfect form.
How to Make Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe
Step 1: Thaw Your Puff Pastry
If your puff pastry is frozen, it’s best to let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight or leave it out on the counter for about 30 minutes until it becomes soft and pliable. This makes it easier to roll out and prevents tearing.
Step 2: Spread the Pesto and Parmesan
Unroll the puff pastry on a clean, flat surface. Take your basil pesto and spread a thin, even layer all over the sheet, making sure to reach from edge to edge. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top. This combination creates the signature flavor base of your Christmas trees.
Step 3: Cut Into Strips
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into strips about 1 inch wide. These strips are what you will transform into your charming holiday trees, so try to keep them uniform for consistent size and baking.
Step 4: Shape the Trees
If you have skewers, pierce one end of a strip with a skewer to anchor it. Then, fold the strip back and forth in a zigzag pattern, mimicking the boughs of a Christmas tree. Pierce the other end with the skewer to secure the shape. If you’re skipping skewers, simply fold the strips carefully and gently place them on the baking sheet to hold their shape.
Step 5: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange your shaped puff pastry trees spaced slightly apart on the sheet. Brush the entire surface of each tree with your beaten egg to encourage that irresistible golden color once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and flaky. Keep an eye on them towards the end; the goal is a beautiful golden hue with a tender crisp texture.
Step 7: Cool and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe cool slightly. Optionally, you can sprinkle extra Parmesan or drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil for an added burst of flavor before serving.
How to Serve Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan just before serving adds a lovely finishing touch, while a tiny dab of sun-dried tomato or a few crushed pine nuts can introduce a beautiful pop of color and texture that complements the pesto.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato bruschetta platter. These sides can highlight the herby richness and keep your holiday spread balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the puff pastry trees upright in a festive bowl or basket lined with cloth napkins, or serve on a large wooden board garnished with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries for a rustic, holiday vibe. You might also try skewering them individually and sticking them into a block of soft cheese for a charming snack display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras (and that’s likely), store leftover puff pastry trees in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The pastry will maintain its crispiness best when not refrigerated.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked shaped pastry trees on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, gently warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can make the pastry soggy instead of crisp and flaky as originally intended.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pesto for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pesto brings a fresh, vibrant flavor that makes the Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe even more special. Just be sure it’s not too watery to prevent sogginess in the pastry.
What if I don’t have skewers? Can I still shape the trees?
Yes, skewers help keep the shape secure, but you can simply fold the puff pastry strips carefully and set them upright on the baking sheet. They tend to hold shape well once baked.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
The recipe is already vegetarian as it uses basil pesto and Parmesan, but be sure to use vegetarian Parmesan if you want to avoid animal rennet. Otherwise, it’s naturally meat-free and delicious.
How long do these Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees keep fresh?
They are best enjoyed the day of baking. Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay good for about two days, but the puff pastry is at its crispest fresh out of the oven.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free puff pastry, you can adapt this Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe to suit gluten sensitivities without losing any of the flavor or festive fun.
Final Thoughts
This Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe is such a joy to make and share, blending simple ingredients into a festive treat that’s sure to bring cheer to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because you love a savory snack with a holiday twist, these trees are sure to become a beloved tradition. Give it a try and watch how quickly these tasty little trees disappear from your plate!
Print
Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 trees
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees are a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Flaky puff pastry is spread with vibrant basil pesto and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, then shaped into charming tree designs and baked to golden perfection. They are visually impressive, easy to make, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
Spread & Topping
- 3–4 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Skewers (optional, for shaping the trees)
Instructions
- Thaw Puff Pastry: If 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.
- Prepare the Base: On a clean flat surface, unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet. Evenly spread a thin layer of basil pesto over the entire pastry surface, ensuring full coverage for flavor throughout.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese uniformly on top of the pesto layer to add a savory and cheesy dimension to the pastries.
- Cut Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the puff pastry into approximately 1-inch wide strips. These strips will be shaped into the Christmas tree forms.
- Shape the Trees: (Optional) Pierce one end of each pastry strip with a skewer to make handling easier. Fold each strip back and forth in a zigzag pattern to resemble a tree shape, then pierce the opposite end onto the skewer to secure it.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Arrange the shaped pastry trees on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush each tree with beaten egg to help achieve a beautiful golden color as they bake.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until the puff pastry is puffed up, golden brown, and flaky.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked trees from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a rack before serving to avoid burning and to let the layers set.
- Optional Garnish: For extra flavor and a festive touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese or drizzle with a bit of good-quality olive oil before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is completely thawed before working to prevent cracking.
- Use skewers if you want easier handling and neater shapes, but they are optional.
- Leftover pesto can be used in sandwiches or pasta dishes.
- For a vegetarian option, confirm the basil pesto does not contain animal-derived ingredients like Parmesan made with animal rennet.
- Serve the trees warm for the best flaky texture and flavor.
- These pastries can be made in advance and reheated briefly in the oven before serving.
