Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that also brings the festive cheer, then you’ve got to try my Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe. These little puff pastry delights are not only adorable and perfect for the holiday table, but they’re also packed with that rich, fresh basil pesto flavor that makes Italian food so irresistible. I love this recipe because it comes together quickly, looks impressive, and tastes even better than it looks. Stick with me here—I’ll walk you through everything so you nail it perfectly!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to give you flaky, buttery pastry bursting with fresh pesto flavor. A couple of shopping tips: grab good-quality basil pesto to make a difference, and you can use store-bought puff pastry to save time without sacrificing flavor.

• Puff Pastry: Look for frozen puff pastry sheets in the freezer aisle; make sure to thaw them properly for the best puff and crunch.
• Basil Pesto: Fresh, flavorful pesto works best—homemade or store-bought, just pick a good-quality one with vibrant basil.
• Cream Cheese: This is optional, but it adds a lovely creaminess that complements the pesto perfectly.
• Shredded Cheese: I usually go for mozzarella or a mild cheddar, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe is how flexible it is. I encourage you to play around with the fillings and shapes to match your taste and occasion.

• Cheese Choices: I sometimes swap shredded mozzarella with parmesan or fontina for a sharper, nuttier note, which adds a next-level flavor punch.
• Herb Variations: If basil pesto isn’t your jam, you can try sun-dried tomato pesto or even a garlic and parsley mix—both still festive and delicious.
• Diet-Friendly: For a dairy-free version, skip the cream cheese and cheese, and use a vegan pesto—or make your own from scratch to ensure it’s free of animal products.
• Extra Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or seeds on top before baking for a delightful texture contrast.

How to Make Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Puff Pastry

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). While that’s heating up, gently roll out your puff pastry sheet onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Rolling it out a bit will make it easier to spread the toppings evenly and create a nice size for each tree.

Step 2: Spread the Cream Cheese and Pesto

Next, grab a spoon or spatula and spread a thin, even layer of cream cheese over the puff pastry. I love this step because cream cheese balances out the pesto’s herbal bite with its cool creaminess. Then, spread the basil pesto on top of the cream cheese, covering the whole sheet but leaving a tiny border around the edges so the pesto doesn’t drip during baking.

Step 3: Add the Cheese and Cut Strips

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the pesto layer. This will melt and add richness while baking. Now, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into strips about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. This width makes shaping the trees easy while maintaining their flaky texture.

Step 4: Shape the Christmas Trees

Here’s the fun part! Take each strip and fold or twist it gently to mimic a Christmas tree shape. Some people like to twist for a spiral effect; I sometimes fold sections to create a layered tree look. If you want, you can stick a small skewer or toothpick in the center to keep the shape stable while baking, like I did when I first made this. Either way, they look super festive and charming.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your pesto puff pastry Christmas trees in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until they’re beautifully puffed and golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when you see the layers crisp up and the cheese bubbling slightly. Stay close the first time you make them to avoid over-browning.

How to Serve Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish these trees with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a few pine nuts or chopped walnuts for a crunchy, festive touch. Sometimes, I add a tiny dusting of grated parmesan right after baking—it looks pretty and adds sharpness that pairs beautifully with the pesto.

Side Dishes

These work wonderfully as party snacks but also shine next to a colorful fresh salad or a warm bowl of minestrone soup at holiday dinners. I’ve often paired them with marinated olives and roasted red peppers for an Italian-inspired spread that guests rave about.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the pesto puff pastry Christmas trees standing upright on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs surrounding them like mini forest grounds. You could also add little cherry tomato “ornaments” on the trees by skewering them gently on top. My family goes crazy for this festive look!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, which is rare in my house, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. The puff pastry is best eaten fresh, but they still taste good if you gently toast them the next day.

Freezing

I’ve had success freezing these trees before baking—simply shape them, freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the time. It’s a great time-saver for holiday prep!

Reheating

To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes to regain that flaky crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe turns out every time I make it. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients in a clever way to create a festive snack that looks like you rocked the kitchen all day, even when you spent just 25 minutes. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a holiday staple for my family and friends—they keep asking me to bring it back every year! Give it a go and see how yours become the star appetizer of your celebrations, too.

Print