Save to Pinterest Celebrate the holiday season with a delightful Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer that brings warmth and festive cheer to your table. This easy-to-make European-inspired treat combines buttery puff pastry with a savory herbed cheese and pesto filling, shaped intricately into a charming Christmas tree. Perfect for entertaining guests, it’s crafted to impress both in looks and taste while remaining vegetarian-friendly.
Save to Pinterest This appetizer is not just visually stunning but offers a delightful combination of creamy and herbed flavors balanced by the crisp puff pastry. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it pairs wonderfully with sparkling white wine or festive cocktails, elevating your celebrations with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry
2 sheets (about 250 g each) puff pastry, thawed if frozen - Filling
120 g cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp basil pesto
1 garlic clove, minced
30 g grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste - Topping
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, pesto, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 3. Unroll one puff pastry sheet on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a 1 cm border.
- 4. Place the second puff pastry sheet on top, pressing gently to seal.
- 5. Using a sharp knife, cut the shape of a large Christmas tree (triangle with a trunk) through both layers. Remove excess pastry and save for decorations.
- 6. Starting from the bottom of the tree, cut horizontal strips (about 2 cm wide) on both sides, leaving the center intact as the trunk.
- 7. Twist each strip away from the center 2–3 times to form branches.
- 8. Use leftover pastry to cut out stars or ornaments and place them on the tree.
- 9. Brush the entire tree with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and poppy seeds.
- 10. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- 11. Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Make sure your puff pastry sheets are fully thawed to ensure easy handling and even baking. Using a sharp knife when cutting will help create clean edges for the intricate tree shape and its twisted branches. Let the pastry cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a twist on the classic filling, try exchanging the basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto or tapenade. To add protein, incorporate slices of prosciutto between the pastry layers for a non-vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different herbs or cheeses to tailor the flavor to your preference.
Serviervorschläge
This appetizer shines when served alongside a glass of sparkling white wine or a festive cocktail, making it a charming starter for any holiday party. Serve warm for the best texture, or at room temperature for easy buffet-style entertaining.
Save to Pinterest Creating this Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer adds a festive touch and delightful flavor to your holiday table with minimal effort. With its beautiful presentation and mouth-watering taste, it’s sure to be a conversation starter and a much-anticipated treat year after year.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of puff pastry works best?
Use high-quality thawed puff pastry sheets for best layering and puffiness.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate the pastry before baking to save time on serving day.
- → How do I shape the Christmas tree?
Cut a large triangle with a trunk shape, then make horizontal cuts along the sides to twist strips as branches.
- → Are there variations for the filling?
You can swap basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto or tapenade for different flavors.
- → What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve warm or at room temperature alongside sparkling white wine or festive cocktails for a seasonal touch.