Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare and assemble the trees up to one day in advance. Store them on a lined baking tray covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. When ready, brush with egg wash and bake just before serving for the best crispiness.

Can I freeze these puff pastry trees?

Absolutely. Assemble the trees, place them on a tray, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes until puffed and golden.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes. Fresh, refrigerated pesto usually has the best flavor, but jarred pesto works too. For an extra touch, stir in a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of parmesan before spreading.

What other cheeses can I use?

Mix and match! Gruyère, cheddar, blue cheese, or manchego all work beautifully. Try combining a mild melty cheese with a stronger one for depth.

How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?

Spread pesto thinly and make sure to seal the layers well before baking. Bake until fully golden and crisp, and serve immediately.

Cheesy Basil Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Name: Cheesy Basil Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 2 sheets of puff pastry; 1/2 cup basil pesto; 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon hot honey sauce (optional); 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)

Description

These cheesy basil pesto puff pastry Christmas trees are the ultimate quick and festive appetizer. Buttery, golden layers of puff pastry hug a savory blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and herb-packed pesto in a fun tree shape. Perfect for parties or cozy nights, they’re ready in just 25 minutes and disappear fast!

Ingredients

Scale

2 sheets of puff pastry

1/2 cup basil pesto

1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon hot honey sauce (optional)

2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 360°F (180°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Roll out one sheet of puff pastry. Spread basil pesto evenly to the edges.

3. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the pesto layer.

4. Place the second puff pastry sheet on top. Press down gently to seal.

5. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the pastry into 1-inch strips. Leave a 2-inch section to cut out stars.

6. Fold each strip over itself 4 times into a triangle tree shape.

7. Skewer each folded strip and top with a pastry star. Arrange on tray.

8. Brush with egg wash. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden and crisp.

9. Drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle red pepper flakes, if using. Serve warm.

Notes

Make-ahead tip: Assemble trees and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.

Try variations like sundried tomato pesto, blue cheese, or fig jam.

Serve with extra dipping sauce like sweet chili or hot honey.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: snacks
Method: oven
Cuisine: american

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tree
Calories: 144
Sugar: 0.1g
Sodium: 135mg
Fat: 11.8g
Saturated Fat: 2.9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8.4g
Fiber: 1.1g
Protein: 6.1g
Cholesterol: 29mg