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
Scale
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.
