The holiday season calls for comforting, beautiful, and shareable dishes, and nothing fits that description better than a Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree. This savory appetizer combines buttery, flaky pastry with rich basil pesto and melted cheese, creating a show-stopping centerpiece that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for Christmas dinner parties, holiday buffets, or festive gatherings, this dish embodies everything we love about cooking Christmas with creativity and flavor.
Bringing charm to your holiday table, the Puff Pastry Tree Christmas design transforms simple ingredients into an eye-catching display. The green hue from the pesto and golden pastry color make it ideal for Christmas platters food, giving your guests a tasty treat they’ll remember. This recipe also fits perfectly among your Xmas nibbles or Christmas canapés food spread.
Table of Contents
Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree: A Savory Holiday Delight
Description
A festive and savory puff pastry Christmas tree filled with basil pesto and melted cheese.
Ingredients
2 puff pastry sheets (thawed)
½ cup basil pesto
1 cup shredded mozzarella
¼ cup grated Parmesan
1 egg (for egg wash)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread basil pesto on one pastry sheet and sprinkle cheeses.
3. Cover with second sheet and cut into a tree shape.
4. Slice and twist branches.
5. Brush with egg wash.
6. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
7. Garnish and serve warm.
Notes
Perfect appetizer for Christmas parties and holiday buffets. Make ahead and bake before serving.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Basil Pesto Christmas Tree appetizer.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff pastry sheets (thawed) | 2 large |
| Basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) | ½ cup |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ¼ cup |
| Egg (for egg wash) | 1 |
| Fresh basil leaves (optional garnish) | A few |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pastry by placing one sheet on a lightly floured surface. Spread a thin layer of basil pesto evenly across the pastry, leaving a small border.
- Add cheese by sprinkling mozzarella and Parmesan over the pesto. Place the second pastry sheet on top and gently press to seal.
- Shape the tree by cutting out a large triangle to resemble a Christmas tree. Use the leftover pastry to form the trunk.
- Create the branches by slicing horizontal lines along both sides of the triangle, leaving the center intact. Twist each strip gently for a decorative, “branch-like” look.
- Brush with egg wash to achieve that golden, flaky finish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and deeply golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving. Garnish with basil leaves for a fresh touch.
This simple process delivers a visually stunning and delicious puff pastry tree Christmas appetizer that’s bound to be the talk of your festive spread.
Helpful Tips
- Homemade pesto can elevate flavor blend fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil for a more vibrant taste.
- Try different cheeses such as Gruyère or white cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
- Serve warm for maximum gooeyness.
- Make ahead: Prepare the tree up to one day in advance, refrigerate it, then bake before serving.
- Presentation idea: Place the tree on a wooden board surrounded by cherry tomatoes or star-shaped cheese slices for a festive platter look.
Conclusion
The Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is more than a recipe it’s a festive ritual that brings everyone together. With minimal prep and maximum impact, it’s the perfect Christmas dinner party appetizer or easy Christmas buffet idea that delivers both beauty and flavor. Whether part of your Christmas platters food spread or as a holiday cooking Christmas tradition, this golden, savory pastry tree will light up your table and hearts.
FAQs About Basil Pesto Christmas Tree
1. Can I use other fillings besides pesto?
Yes! You can substitute pesto with sun-dried tomato spread, olive tapenade, or spinach and ricotta for variation.
2. How do I keep puff pastry crispy?
Bake it on parchment-lined trays and avoid overfilling. Serve immediately after baking for best texture.
3. Can I freeze the pastry tree before baking?
Absolutely. Assemble the tree, freeze it flat, then bake directly from frozen just add 5 minutes to the baking time.
4. What’s the best cheese for melting in this recipe?
Mozzarella gives the perfect melt, but combining it with Parmesan enhances the flavor and texture beautifully.