These festive Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees are an easy, delicious, and visually striking appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. With buttery, flaky puff pastry as the base, they’re filled with a fragrant pesto sauce and folded into the shape of Christmas trees, making them not only a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes as well. Whether served as a party snack or as part of a holiday spread, they are sure to impress guests with their savory flavor and holiday charm.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought, thawed if frozen)
- 3 tablespoons pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- A pinch of salt and pepper
- Fresh basil or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a flat surface. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the pastry into a rectangle (around 12×8 inches) or divide it into smaller squares, depending on how big you want your trees.
- Add Pesto: Spread a thin layer of pesto evenly over the entire surface of the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Shape the Christmas Trees: Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into triangle shapes, resembling Christmas trees. You can cut out one large tree or several smaller ones, depending on your preference.
- Twist the Trees: To create the tree branches, carefully twist each triangle of pastry a few times (from base to tip). You can slightly overlap the twisted pieces if needed to enhance the tree shape.
- Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush it lightly over the twisted pastry trees to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the puff pastry trees on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden and puffed.
- Garnish: Once the puff pastry trees are done, let them cool slightly. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and garnish with fresh basil or rosemary if desired.
- Serve: Serve warm as a delightful appetizer or snack during the holiday season.
Enjoy your festive Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees!
