Pesto Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree (Festive Holiday Appetizer)
This Pesto Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a stunning yet incredibly easy holiday appetizer that always steals the spotlight. Flaky, golden puff pastry is layered with fragrant basil pesto and gooey melted cheese, then shaped into a festive Christmas tree that’s perfect for Christmas parties, holiday dinners, potlucks, or New Year gatherings. It looks impressive, tastes irresistible, and comes together with just a few ingredients—no baking skills required!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time (optional): 5 minutes
Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Ingredients
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 to 1¼ cups shredded cheese
Mozzarella (melty)
Parmesan (flavorful)
Or a mix of both
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tbsp milk or water
Cherry tomatoes, olive slices, or red pepper pieces (optional, for decoration)
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Prepare the Pastry
Roll out one puff pastry sheet on the lined tray.
Spread an even layer of pesto, leaving a small border around the edges.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the pesto.
Layer & Seal
Place the second puff pastry sheet on top.
Gently press down to seal the layers together.
Shape the Christmas Tree
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the layered pastry into a large triangle (tree shape).
Cut small horizontal strips on both sides of the triangle, leaving the center intact.
Twist each strip outward to form branches.
Use leftover pastry to form a small star or trunk if desired.
Egg Wash
Mix egg with milk or water.
Brush generously over the entire tree for a golden finish.
Chill (Optional but Helpful)
Place the tray in the fridge for 5 minutes—this helps the twists hold their shape.
Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until puffed, golden brown, and crisp.
Decoration (Optional)
Add cherry tomato halves or olive slices after baking as “ornaments.”
Garnish with fresh rosemary for a pine-tree look.
Serve with a small bowl of warm marinara or garlic dip on the side.
Pro Tips
Don’t overload with pesto—it can make the pastry soggy.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or chili flakes to the cheese.
Want variety? Try sun-dried tomato pesto, spinach pesto, or red pesto.
Best served warm, but still delicious at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
This Pesto Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is the perfect blend of festive charm and savory indulgence. It’s flaky, cheesy, aromatic, and guaranteed to impress your guests—without keeping you stuck in the kitchen. Make one… or two, because it disappears fast!