Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

This Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a festive and fun dish that will impress your family and guests. With the rich flavor of homemade basil pesto and gooey cheese wrapped in flaky pastry, it’s the perfect appetizer to kick off your holiday celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Not only is this recipe visually stunning, resembling a decorated Christmas tree, but it also boasts a blend of fresh and savory flavors. The aroma of baked puff pastry combined with aromatic basil pesto will fill your kitchen and bring everyone to the table. It’s simple to make, making it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities.

How to Make Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Ingredients:

1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Flour (for dusting)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
To make the basil pesto, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the sheet of puff pastry to smoothen it and make it a little thinner.
Cut the puff pastry into a Christmas tree shape. Start by cutting out a triangle with a width at the bottom that looks like a tree and tapering it toward the top. Reserve leftover pastry for decorations.
Layer the pesto on one half of the tree shape, leaving a small border around the edges.
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto layer.
Fold the other half of the puff pastry over the filling to create a sandwich shape. Press down around the edges to seal.
Use a sharp knife to make small cuts in the pastry on each side of the “tree” to create branches. Be careful not to cut through the center.
Twist each branch to create a decorative look. Make sure the filling stays intact.
Brush the entire surface of the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden-brown finish when baking.
If you have leftover puff pastry, you can cut out small star shapes or ornaments to decorate the top of the tree. Brush these with egg wash as well.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Allow the pastry tree to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm as an appetizer or festive snack.

How to Serve Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

This Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree makes a delightful centerpiece for any holiday table. Serve it warm, and watch as it disappears quickly! Pair it with a light salad or a sparkling beverage to complement the rich flavors. You can also provide some extra basil pesto or marinara sauce on the side for dipping, allowing everyone to enjoy the flavors at their own pace.

How to Store Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven to regain its flaky texture. You can freeze the unbaked pastry if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil for up to a month. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the baking instructions.

Tips to Make Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Perfect

Ensure your puff pastry is thawed properly for easy handling.
Use fresh basil for the best flavor in your pesto.
Don’t skip the egg wash! It adds a beautiful golden color to your pastry.
Be gentle when twisting the pastry to minimize any leaks of cheese or pesto.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with this dish! You can add cooked chicken breast for extra protein, substitute the pine nuts with walnuts or almonds, or even add sun-dried tomatoes into your pesto for a unique twist. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes could also add a bit of heat if desired. Experiment with different cheeses such as goat cheese or feta for varied flavors.

Pro Tips for Success

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature to ensure even mixing.
Don’t overwork your puff pastry; handle it gently for the best texture.
Keep an eye on the pastry as it bakes, as ovens can vary.

FAQs About Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the tree up to a day in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. Just bake it just before serving to enjoy the fresh, flaky texture.

Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought pesto can be a great alternative. Just make sure to pick a high-quality brand for the best flavor.

What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a light salad, fresh vegetables, or even a charcuterie board. A glass of sparkling beverage or non-alcoholic grape juice can enhance the festive spirit.

Final Thoughts

The Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is more than just a festive appetizer; it’s a delicious blend of flavors that will please everyone at your holiday table. With its flaky texture and rich basil flavor, this dish will surely become a favorite tradition in your holiday gatherings. Give this easy-to-follow recipe a try and watch it shine as the centerpiece of your festivities!

Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

A festive appetizer featuring flaky pastry, homemade basil pesto, and gooey cheese, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

For the Basil Pesto

1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted Substitute with walnuts or almonds if desired.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup olive oil

For the Pastry

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen Ensure it is properly thawed for easy handling.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors.
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) Adds a golden color to your pastry.
1 Flour (for dusting)

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until a smooth paste forms. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the sheet of puff pastry to smoothen it.
Cut the puff pastry into a Christmas tree shape.

Assembly

Layer the pesto on one half of the tree shape, leaving a small border around the edges.
Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto layer.
Fold the other half of the puff pastry over the filling to create a sandwich shape. Press down around the edges to seal.
Make small cuts in the pastry on each side of the tree to create branches, being careful not to cut through the center.
Twist each branch to create a decorative look, ensuring the filling stays intact.

Baking

Brush the entire surface of the pastry with the beaten egg.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
Allow the pastry tree to cool for a few minutes before serving.