Save Celebrate the holidays with this charming Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer, a delightful and savory treat that combines flaky puff pastry with a rich herbed cheese and basil pesto filling. Shaped like a festive Christmas tree, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with friends and family at any seasonal gathering. The golden-brown crust and twisting branches make it as visually impressive as it is delicious.
Save This appetizer not only tastes incredible but also brings a touch of creativity and joy to your holiday spread. The inviting aroma of herbs and baking pastry will enchant your guests even before the first bite. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser that invites compliments and repeated helpings.
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry
2 sheets (about 250 g each) puff pastry, thawed if frozen - Filling
120 g cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp basil pesto
1 garlic clove, minced
30 g grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste - Topping
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, pesto, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 3. Unroll one puff pastry sheet on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a 1 cm border.
- 4. Place the second puff pastry sheet on top, pressing gently to seal.
- 5. Using a sharp knife, cut the shape of a large Christmas tree (triangle with a trunk) through both layers. Remove excess pastry and save for decorations.
- 6. Starting from the bottom of the tree, cut horizontal strips (about 2 cm wide) on both sides, leaving the center intact as the trunk.
- 7. Twist each strip away from the center 2–3 times to form branches.
- 8. Use leftover pastry to cut out stars or ornaments and place them on the tree.
- 9. Brush the entire tree with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and poppy seeds.
- 10. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- 11. Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure even baking, make sure the puff pastry is thawed properly but still cold before assembling. Use a very sharp knife to create clean cuts for the branches to twist beautifully. Be gentle while twisting the dough strips to keep them intact without tearing. Leftover pastry can be creatively shaped into festive decorations to enhance the presentation.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a different flavor profile, try substituting the basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto or olive tapenade. If you prefer a non-vegetarian option, add thin slices of prosciutto between the layers or wrap small prosciutto strips around the twisted branches before baking. You can also experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary in the filling for a unique twist.
Serviervorschläge
This Puff Pastry Christmas Tree pairs wonderfully with sparkling white wines or festive cocktails, making it the perfect starter for holiday celebrations. Serve it on a large platter as a centerpiece on your appetizers table, allowing guests to pull off individual branches or cut slices. It’s equally delightful warm or at room temperature, making it convenient for entertaining.
Save With its festive look and savory flavor, the Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer is sure to become a holiday favorite. Its ease of preparation and beautiful presentation make it ideal for impressing guests without hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this delicious centerpiece as you create cherished memories around the holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you shape the puff pastry into a Christmas tree?
After layering two sheets of puff pastry with the herbed cheese filling, cut the dough into a triangle with a trunk. Then slice horizontal strips on each side, twist them away from the center to form branches, creating the tree shape.
- → Can I use different fillings?
Yes, variations like sun-dried tomato pesto or tapenade bring new flavors. For non-vegetarian options, adding prosciutto slices complements the cheese filling.
- → What seeds are used for the topping?
A mixture of sesame seeds and optional poppy seeds is brushed over the egg-washed pastry to add texture, flavor, and a golden finish when baked.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the combination of cream cheese, herbs, and pesto makes it vegetarian-friendly, but prosciutto additions would make it non-vegetarian.
- → How should this be served?
Serve the puff pastry tree warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with sparkling white wine or festive cocktails during holiday gatherings.
- → What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used as a substitute, though fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor in the filling mixture.