Description
This Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer is a festive, easy-to-make holiday treat featuring flaky puff pastry layered with savory pesto. The pastry is shaped and twisted into a Christmas tree form, baked until golden, and optionally topped with sesame seeds for a delightful crunch. Perfect as a pull-apart appetizer for holiday parties, it combines beautiful presentation with delicious flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Base
- 2 sheets puff pastry
Fillings and Topping
- 3-4 Tablespoons pesto or savory spread of your choice
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- Sesame seeds, for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Base: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on the lined baking sheet and evenly spread the pesto or savory spread all over the surface for flavor.
- Layer Puff Pastry: Unfold the second sheet of puff pastry and carefully place it on top of the first sheet, gently pressing to seal the two sheets together and encase the pesto.
- Shape the Christmas Tree: Cut the layered puff pastry into a Christmas tree shape using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, reserving the leftover pastry for additional shapes.
- Create Twisted Strips: Cut slits approximately 0.5 inches (1.5 cm) apart on both sides of the tree, leaving the center intact. Twist each strip two or three times, then press the ends down onto the baking sheet to keep in place. Repeat the process with leftover pastry shapes on a separate baking sheet.
- Egg Wash and Decoration: Mix the beaten egg with the milk and brush this egg wash all over the shaped pastry. Optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Bake: Bake the puff pastry trees in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this festive pull-apart appetizer as a delicious starter or party snack!
Notes
- This appetizer is festive and perfect for holiday parties, combining a beautiful presentation with savory flavors.
- You can customize the filling with different savory spreads such as tapenade, sun-dried tomato pesto, or cheese spreads.
- Puff pastry can be found in the frozen section of most grocery stores; remember to thaw before use as per package instructions.
- The egg wash helps give the pastry a shiny, golden finish and helps toppings adhere.
- Twisting the strips carefully ensures the pastry separates nicely when served as pull-apart breadsticks.
- Leftover pastry scraps can be repurposed to create smaller pastry twists for additional snacks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8th of the tree)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
