If you’re searching for a festive, fun, and utterly delicious appetizer that will wow your guests at any holiday gathering, look no further than this Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe. These charming, flaky trees are layered with fragrant pesto and gooey provolone cheese, creating a perfect balance of savory flavors wrapped in crisp golden puff pastry. They are as delightful to eat as they are to look at, making them a must-make for your seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving those perfectly puffy, flavorful Christmas trees. Each component in this Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe plays a role in creating that irresistible combination of taste, texture, and visual appeal.
- 2 puff pastry sheets: The flaky, buttery base that puffs up beautifully in the oven, providing the perfect structure for your trees.
- ¼ cup prepared pesto sauce: Offers that vibrant green color and herbaceous, garlicky flavor that makes every bite pop.
- 6 ounces provolone cheese slices: Melts wonderfully inside the pastry, adding creamy richness without overpowering the pesto.
- 1 large egg: Used for the egg wash to give the trees a glossy, golden finish that invites you to dig in.
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream: Mixed with the egg to create a smooth and evenly applied wash that doesn’t burn.
- 3 tablespoons salted butter: Melted and combined with seasonings to brush on after baking, adding richness and a hint of savory depth.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a subtle kick of garlic flavor as part of the butter glaze.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of the cheese and butter.
- Cheese stars (optional): Perfect decorative toppers that add a festive touch to finish off your Christmas trees.
How to Make Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare your baking sheets
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your pastry trees won’t stick and will bake evenly. This simple step sets the foundation for perfect pastry results.
Step 2: Thaw the puff pastry
If your puff pastry is refrigerated, let it sit out at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften just enough for easy handling. For frozen pastry, be patient and allow 30 minutes to thaw so it unravels neatly without tearing.
Step 3: Roll out puff pastry sheets
Lightly dust your cutting board with flour to prevent sticking. Unfold one puff pastry sheet and gently roll it into a 10-by-12 inch rectangle to create an even surface. Repeat with the second sheet. This gives you two uniform layers ready for the pesto and cheese.
Step 4: Brush pesto and layer cheese
Generously brush the entire surface of one puff pastry sheet with the prepared pesto. The vibrant green pesto not only infuses herbal goodness but adds gorgeous color. Then layer the provolone cheese slices evenly on top, ensuring every tree will have that melty cheese goodness inside. Place the second puff pastry sheet over the cheese to create a deliciously filled sandwich ready to shape.
Step 5: Cut and fold to shape your trees
Cut the stacked puff pastry sheets into twelve 1-inch wide strips along the 12-inch side. Now for the fun part: hold one strip and fold it back and forth in a loose zig-zag, making folds slightly smaller as you go to create the triangular, tapering shape of a Christmas tree. Secure the folds by inserting a skewer from bottom to top, which will hold your tree together as it bakes and puffs up.
Step 6: Arrange the trees on baking sheets
Place six skewered trees evenly spaced on each prepared baking sheet. Giving them room ensures they bake evenly and develop their puffed, golden shape beautifully.
Step 7: Prepare and apply the egg wash
Whisk together the egg and heavy whipping cream until smooth. This egg wash will give your trees a beautiful golden color and a lovely shine. Gently brush it over the tops and sides of each pastry tree for the perfect finish before baking.
Step 8: Bake until golden and puffed
Pop your baking sheets into the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until you see a gorgeous golden-brown color and the puff pastry is cooked through. The smell at this point will be absolutely irresistible.
Step 9: Brush with butter and add finishing touches
Once out of the oven, immediately brush each tree with the melted butter mixed with garlic powder and salt. This finishing glaze adds extra flavor and a buttery sheen. For an extra-special festive touch, top with cheese stars if you like—a beautiful accent that brings these Christmas trees to life.
How to Serve Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe by garnishing with a dollop of extra pesto on the side for dipping, or sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or cracked black pepper over the top. A light dusting of flaky sea salt after baking can also make each bite more dynamic.
Side Dishes
These puff pastry trees pair wonderfully with a fresh, crisp salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette to balance their richness. They also complement a hearty bowl of tomato soup or a warm butternut squash soup beautifully, making for a cozy holiday appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe arranged on a festive wooden board or a large platter lined with fresh rosemary sprigs or pine boughs for a holiday vibe. You could even thread fairy lights around your serving tray to make them truly sparkle at your party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe (which might be hard to resist), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To help maintain crispness, avoid stacking them too closely or add parchment paper between layers.
Freezing
You can freeze the shaped, uncooked puff pastry trees before baking. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to one month. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfectly fresh-tasting Christmas trees later.
Reheating
Reheat leftover baked puff pastry trees in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes to refresh their crispness without making them soggy. Avoid microwaving to maintain that flaky texture we all love.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses besides provolone in this recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella, fontina, or even a sharper cheese like Gruyère to add a unique twist to your Christmas trees.
Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?
Homemade pesto does offer a bright, fresh flavor that’s hard to beat, but quality store-bought pesto works perfectly and is a real time-saver for this recipe. Just be sure to choose one you love, as it will be front and center in these trees.
Do I need to use skewers for shaping the trees?
While skewers help keep the folded layers securely together during baking, if you prefer, you can bake them without skewers. Just be gentler with the folds, and keep an eye on them while baking to ensure they maintain their shape.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Prepare the trees up to the point of baking, cover them, and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Bake them fresh before your event for the best puff and crispness. Alternatively, freeze them as previously described for longer storage.
What can I serve these with as part of a holiday meal?
These trees make a fantastic appetizer or snack alongside charcuterie boards, dips, or festive salads. They also pair nicely with light soups or stews for a rounded holiday meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way this Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe combines vibrant green pesto, melty cheese, and buttery puff pastry into festive little bites of joy. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just craving a special seasonal treat, these delightful trees will steal the show and fill your kitchen with cozy, mouthwatering aromas. Don’t wait—grab your puff pastry and get folding because these Christmas trees bring celebration to every bite!
Print
Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delightfully festive and delicious, these Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of flaky puff pastry are filled with savory pesto and provolone cheese, then shaped into charming tree forms, brushed with a golden egg wash, baked to perfection, and finished with a buttery garlic glaze and optional cheese star decorations.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Base
- 2 puff pastry sheets
- ¼ cup prepared pesto sauce (plus more for serving)
- 6 ounces provolone cheese slices
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
Butter Glaze
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Garnish
- Cheese stars (optional, see note)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Thaw Puff Pastry: If using refrigerated puff pastry sheets, let them rest at room temperature for 5 minutes. For frozen sheets, allow them to thaw for about 30 minutes to make them pliable and easy to work with.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: Lightly dust a cutting board with flour to avoid sticking. Unfold one puff pastry sheet and use a rolling pin to roll it out into a 10-by-12-inch rectangle. Repeat this process with the second sheet.
- Brush with Pesto and Layer Cheese: Spread the prepared pesto evenly over the entire surface of the first pastry sheet. Then layer the provolone cheese slices on top of the pesto. Place the second pastry sheet over this to form a filled stack.
- Cut and Shape: Using a sharp knife, cut the stacked pastry along the 12-inch side into twelve 1-inch wide strips. Take one strip and place the bottom 2-3 inches flat on your surface. Then, fold the strip in a loose zig-zag pattern by alternating folds left and right, tapering the folds slightly so it forms a natural tree shape.
- Secure with Skewers: After folding each strip into a tree shape, insert a skewer straight down through the center from bottom to top to hold the shape in place. Spread the folds gently to allow room for puffing up during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Evenly space six skewered pastry trees on each prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have enough room to expand as they bake.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy whipping cream until smooth. Brush the tops and sides of each pastry tree with this egg wash to achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: While the trees bake, melt the butter and mix in the garlic powder and salt. As soon as the trees are removed from the oven, brush them generously with this savory butter mixture. Optionally, garnish the tops with cheese stars for a festive touch. Serve with additional pesto sauce if desired.
Notes
- You can use frozen puff pastry; be sure to thaw it properly before use.
- The skewers help maintain the festive tree shape as the pastry puffs during baking.
- Cheese stars add a charming holiday decoration but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Extra pesto sauce served on the side enhances the flavor and allows for dipping.
- Use provolone cheese for its mild, creamy texture, but you may substitute with mozzarella or other semi-soft cheeses if preferred.
