Description
Celebrate the holidays with these delightful Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees, perfect for festive gatherings. Flaky puff pastry is layered with fragrant basil pesto and Parmesan cheese, shaped into charming tree forms, and baked to golden perfection. These savory treats are simple to make and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry & Layers
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 3-4 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
For Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Skewers (optional, for shaping the trees)
Instructions
- Thaw Pastry: If using frozen puff pastry, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it becomes pliable and easy to work with.
- Spread the Filling: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a flat surface. Evenly spread a thin layer of basil pesto across the surface. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pesto layer to add a flavorful cheesy touch.
- Cut the Pastry: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the puff pastry into 1-inch wide strips to prepare them for shaping.
- Create Tree Shapes: Optionally, pierce one end of each strip with a skewer. Fold each strip back and forth in a zigzag pattern to mimic the shape of a Christmas tree. Secure the other end onto the skewer to hold the tree shape together while baking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.
- Add Egg Wash: Place the shaped pastry trees onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently brush each tree with the beaten egg wash to give them a beautiful golden-brown, glossy finish once baked.
- Bake: Bake the pastry trees in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and develop a flaky texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the Christmas trees cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving plate. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavors before serving.
Notes
- For best results, make sure your puff pastry is completely thawed and pliable before working with it.
- Use fresh basil pesto if possible for a brighter flavor, though store-bought works well too.
- Skewers help maintain the tree shape during baking but can be omitted if restricting skewers.
- These make great appetizers or festive snacks for holiday parties.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly to restore flakiness.
