One winter evening, as the holiday season was just beginning to make its presence felt, I found myself standing in the kitchen, stirring up memories. The air was crisp outside, and the scent of pine and spices filled the house. My daughter was coming over with her kids, and I was thinking of a fun, festive way to celebrate the season together.
I wanted something savory but beautiful enough to look like it belonged under a Christmas tree. That’s when I decided to try my hand at a savory puff pastry tree—a simple, elegant treat that could bring a little holiday magic to the dinner table.
I reached for my trusty sheet of puff pastry, basil pesto, and mozzarella cheese, knowing that with just a few ingredients, I could create something that would be both delicious and fun. As the puff pastry puffed up in the oven, filling the kitchen with its warm aroma, I couldn’t help but smile. It was the perfect way to start the holiday season—easy to make and even more delightful to share.
Short Description
This Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is the perfect blend of flaky puff pastry, rich basil pesto, and melty mozzarella cheese. Decorated with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves, it’s a fun and festive appetizer that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Key Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- ½ cup basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (for decoration)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Tools Needed
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Pastry brush
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pastry from sticking.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry sheet onto a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches. Use your rolling pin to smooth out any creases and make it even.
Step 3: Spread the Basil Pesto and Cheese
Spread the basil pesto evenly over the entire surface of the pastry, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the pesto layer.
Step 4: Layer and Shape the Christmas Tree
Take another sheet of puff pastry (or re-roll the same one) and place it on top, pressing gently to seal the edges. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to carefully cut the pastry into a tree shape, including branches for twisting.
Step 5: Twist the Branches
Carefully twist each branch to reveal the layers of pesto and cheese. Be gentle, as you don’t want to tear the pastry.
Step 6: Brush and Season
Brush the entire tree with the beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish. Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Bake
Place the pastry in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on it—if the edges brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with foil.
Step 8: Decorate with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Once out of the oven, let the pastry cool for a few minutes. Decorate with halved cherry tomatoes at the top to resemble ornaments and fresh basil leaves to complete the tree look.
Step 9: Serve
Serve warm as an appetizer or a fun side dish at your holiday meal. It’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but it’s also quite good at room temperature.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Festive & Fun: This tree-shaped pastry is not only delicious but also adds a whimsical, festive touch to your table.
Cheesy Goodness: The gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese melt perfectly with the basil pesto, creating a savory treat that everyone will enjoy.
Easy to Make: Puff pastry makes the base easy and quick to prepare—no complicated dough-making required!
Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: This savory tree is perfect for entertaining, whether it’s an appetizer at a family dinner or a fun addition to a holiday buffet.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Pastry Separating: If the layers start to separate while baking, gently press them back together as soon as you take it out of the oven. It’s a delicate pastry, so take care when handling.
Too Dry: If your pesto is too thick, mix in a tablespoon of olive oil to make it spreadable before applying it to the pastry.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Main or Side: This works wonderfully as an appetizer or a side dish to accompany a main course, especially roasted meats or a hearty soup.
Pairing Drinks: Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling beverage for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pastry.
Serving Style: This can be served on a platter as a shared family dish, or you can slice it into individual servings for a more formal setting.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating: To preserve the puff pastry’s flakiness, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until warm.
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it just before serving.
2. Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a great time-saver. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
3. Can I use other cheeses?
Yes! Feel free to swap out the mozzarella for another mild cheese like provolone or even cheddar for a slightly different taste.
4. Can I make this without the cheese?
For a lighter version, you can skip the cheese, though it will lose some of the creamy texture. You can also try a dairy-free cheese alternative.
5. Can I freeze this Christmas tree pastry?
Yes! You can freeze the shaped tree before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Tips & Tricks
Flaky Pastry: To get the best puff, make sure your puff pastry is cold when you work with it. If it gets too warm, it won’t puff as well.
Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves make a huge difference in both flavor and presentation. Try to use fresh basil rather than dried.
Recipe Variations
Spinach & Feta: Swap the pesto for spinach and feta for a different flavor combination.
Mushroom & Gruyère: For a more decadent filling, use sautéed mushrooms and gruyère cheese.
Final Thoughts
I love how this Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree brings a touch of whimsy to the holiday season. It’s the kind of dish that invites everyone to gather around, marveling at its festive look and enjoying its delicious flavors.
Making this has become one of my favorite holiday traditions, not just because it tastes so good, but because it feels like a celebration all on its own. I can already picture my grandchildren reaching for a bite, their faces lighting up when they see the tree. That’s what holiday cooking is all about—bringing a little magic to the table.
Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- ½ cup basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg beaten
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cherry tomatoes halved (for decoration)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
- Spread basil pesto evenly over the pastry, leaving a border. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Place a second sheet of puff pastry on top and press to seal. Cut into a tree shape, including branches for twisting.
- Twist each branch gently to reveal the layers of pesto and cheese.
- Brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Once cooled slightly, decorate with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish.
