There’s something magical about baking during the holidays. The kitchen fills with the buttery aroma of puff pastry, and suddenly, everyone gathers a little closer. These pesto puff pastry Christmas trees are one of those recipes that make you feel instantly festive. Flaky, cheesy, and brushed with hot honey for a subtle kick, they’re as gorgeous as they are delicious. This recipe shows you how to turn two sheets of puff pastry into whimsical, golden trees that make the perfect holiday appetizer puff pastry trees for your table or Christmas party platter.
The Story Behind My Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
A family tradition turned festive appetizer
Every December, my family has a “decorate and bake” night. While others are stringing lights, I’m rolling out pastry. The first time I made Christmas trees puff pastry, I had no idea they’d become such a hit. With their flaky layers, herby pesto filling, and gooey cheese center, they vanished from the plate before I even got a photo. The next year, I doubled the batch — still gone in minutes. That’s when I knew these weren’t just appetizers; they were a new Christmas tradition.
Using basil pesto gives them a vibrant green color that perfectly mimics the look of little fir trees, while the combination of mozzarella and parmesan adds that irresistible cheesy stretch. They’re festive, fast, and surprisingly simple — exactly what you want when you’re juggling guests and last-minute gift wrapping.
Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Festive pesto puff pastry Christmas trees filled with basil pesto, cheese, and hot honey drizzle. Perfect 25-minute appetizer!
Ingredients
2 sheets puff pastry
1/2 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg, whisked
1 tbsp hot honey
2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 360°F/180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Roll out one sheet of puff pastry and spread with pesto. Sprinkle cheeses evenly.
3. Top with second sheet and press to seal. Cut into 1-inch strips, leaving space for stars.
4. Fold each strip into a tree shape and skewer. Cut star toppers from extra pastry.
5. Brush with egg wash, bake 15 minutes until golden. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with pepper flakes.
Notes
Prep ahead: Assemble trees the day before and refrigerate.
Variations: Use sundried tomato pesto or caramelized onion jam.
Swap cheeses for gruyère or blue cheese for stronger flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
Why this puff pastry appetizer works every time
The secret lies in the balance: crisp, golden pastry layered with savory pesto and creamy cheese. Each bite is buttery, flaky, and satisfying. Plus, these holiday appetizer puff pastry trees look far more intricate than they are. Folding the pastry into tree shapes might seem tricky, but it’s actually just a few simple folds on a skewer. The result? A tray of mini Christmas trees that sparkle with melted cheese and festive spirit.
Preparing the Perfect Layers
Choosing your puff pastry
Start with two good-quality sheets of puff pastry — store-bought is perfectly fine. The trick is letting them thaw just enough to roll without cracking. Too warm, and they’ll lose that signature puff; too cold, and they’ll tear. Rolling them on the parchment they come with keeps your counter clean and the dough easy to handle.
Layer one sheet flat, spread with rich basil pesto, then scatter mozzarella and parmesan evenly across the surface. That’s the foundation of your pesto puff pastry Christmas trees.
Sealing and slicing for success
Once your filling’s down, place the second pastry sheet on top and gently press or roll it to seal. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice into 1-inch strips along the short edge of the rectangle — this gives you the right length for stacking folds. Leave a little extra pastry at the end to cut out your star toppers. Those small details make these Christmas trees puff pastry appetizers truly shine.
Folding, Skewering, and Baking
How to fold puff pastry into Christmas trees
Here’s where the fun begins. Take each strip and fold it over itself four times, forming a rough triangle — think of winding ribbon on a tree. Slide a wooden skewer through the center to hold everything together. Repeat until your tray is filled with mini trees. Then, cut tiny pastry stars using a small cookie cutter and place them at the top of each skewer.
The bake that makes them golden
Brush each tree with an egg wash for that irresistible golden shine. Bake at 360°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes, or until puffed and deeply golden. When they emerge from the oven, drizzle with a little hot honey and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. The sweetness of the honey and the heat of the chili take these pesto puff pastry Christmas trees to another level — sweet, spicy, and savory in perfect harmony.
Flavor Variations and Pro Tips
Creative twists for every palate
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Don’t stop at basil pesto — try sundried tomato pesto for a deep, tangy flavor or wild garlic pesto for a bold, aromatic twist. You can even swap the pesto for sweet options like fig jam or caramelized onion chutney to make sweet puff pastry trees for dessert platters.
Mixing cheeses also adds depth. Mozzarella gives that gooey pull, while parmesan brings sharp saltiness. For something different, try gruyère, blue cheese, or even sharp cheddar. Each batch will taste slightly different but always delicious.
Prep ahead and party perfect
Hosting a big Christmas party? Assemble these trees the night before, cover with clingfilm, and refrigerate. Just bake them fresh before guests arrive. You’ll look like a pro with zero stress. Serve them warm from the oven, and they’ll disappear in minutes — they’re that addictive.
Serving and Styling for the Holidays
How to serve your puff pastry Christmas trees
Arrange your golden trees on a large platter or wooden board. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a drizzle of honey just before serving. Add a few rosemary sprigs for that evergreen holiday look. These holiday appetizer puff pastry trees pair beautifully with sparkling drinks or a festive cocktail.
Perfect occasions and storage tips
Serve them at brunch, holiday buffets, or Christmas Eve gatherings. They also travel well, making them ideal for potlucks. If you have leftovers (rarely happens), store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for 5 minutes to bring back the crispness.
FAQs About Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake right before serving.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked trees flat on a tray, then transfer to bags. Bake from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.
What other toppings can I use?
Try chopped nuts, sesame seeds, or crushed pistachios for added crunch and color.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes. Use vegan puff pastry and pesto, skip the egg wash, and use plant-based cheese.
Conclusion
These pesto puff pastry Christmas trees are proof that festive food doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create something spectacular that looks straight out of a bakery window. Golden, cheesy, and full of holiday flavor — these trees bring a little extra sparkle to your celebration table.
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