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
Scale
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.
