Cheesy Basil Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

These Cheesy Basil Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are the ultimate festive appetizer—crispy, golden, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or cozy family nights, they combine buttery puff pastry, rich basil pesto, and gooey melted cheese into one delightful bite.

🕒 Prep Time:

10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry (preferably all-butter for best flavor)
• 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or fresh store-bought)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon hot honey sauce (optional, for drizzling)
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare your base

Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Roll out one sheet of puff pastry on a flat surface. Spread a generous layer of basil pesto evenly across the surface, right to the edges.

2. Add the cheesy goodness

Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the pesto layer. These two cheeses create the perfect balance—mozzarella for meltiness, parmesan for that salty kick.

3. Layer and cut

Place the second sheet of puff pastry directly on top of the first. Gently press or roll it out to seal the layers together. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 1-inch (2.5 cm) strips along the shorter edge. Leave about a 2-inch strip at one end for cutting small stars later.

4. Shape the Christmas trees

Take one strip at a time and fold it over itself in alternating directions to form a small triangular tree shape. Pierce each tree with a wooden skewer to hold it together. Use a mini star cutter to cut out pastry stars and place one on top of each tree.

5. Bake until golden and puffed

Arrange the trees on the prepared tray, brush them lightly with the whisked egg, and bake for 15 minutes or until golden and crispy.

6. Add the finishing touch

Once baked, drizzle each tree with a touch of hot honey and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a festive, flavorful finish. Serve immediately while warm.

Pro Tips

• Use all-butter puff pastry for the flakiest, richest texture.
• Prep ahead: You can assemble the trees a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving.
• Flavor swaps: Try sundried tomato pesto, fig jam, or sweet chili jam for a creative twist.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These festive trees pair beautifully with a range of holiday flavors. Here are a few ideas:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with a side of marinara, garlic aioli, or whipped feta for dipping.
• Cheese Board Addition: Add a few of these puff pastry trees to a charcuterie board for a warm, savory element.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as Pinot Noir complements the buttery pastry and basil pesto perfectly.
• Holiday Spread: Pair with creamy soups like roasted tomato or butternut squash for a cozy starter.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 tree	144	6.1g	8.4g	11.8g	1.1g	0.1g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Final Thought:
These Cheesy Basil Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees bring the perfect mix of flavor, festivity, and fun to any holiday spread. With flaky pastry, savory basil pesto, and melted cheese in every bite, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all your Christmas gatherings.

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