Save Celebrate the holiday season with a delightful Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer that combines flaky, buttery layers with a flavorful herbed cheese and basil pesto filling. This festive European-inspired appetizer is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests with its charming presentation and savory taste. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or a festive party, this beautifully twisted Christmas tree pastry will be the star of your appetizer table.
Save With its golden crust and savory herb-infused filling, this puff pastry tree not only tastes wonderful but also brings festive charm to any celebration. The twisting branches add a fun, interactive touch to the baking process, making it both enjoyable to create and delicious to eat.
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
Ensure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold to achieve the best flakiness and puffiness when baked. Be gentle when twisting the branches to prevent tearing the pastry layers. Use a sharp knife for precise cuts and to maintain the crisp edges of your Christmas tree shape.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Experiment with different fillings such as sun-dried tomato pesto or tapenade for a flavorful twist. For a non-vegetarian version, add prosciutto slices layered within the filling. You can also customize toppings by using different seeds or herbs to suit your taste.
Serviervorschläge
This warm puff pastry appetizer pairs beautifully with sparkling white wine or a festive cocktail. Serve it as a centerpiece appetizer at holiday parties or casual festive dinners, and watch it disappear quickly from the plate!
Save With its festive design and delectable flavor, the Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer is more than just a starter—it’s a holiday tradition waiting to happen. Embrace the ease of preparation and the joy it brings to your table, making your celebrations even more memorable and delicious.
Common recipe questions
- → Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, thaw frozen puff pastry sheets completely before using for best results.
- → What variations can enhance the filling?
Try sun-dried tomato pesto or tapenade for different flavor twists in the cheese mixture.
- → How do I create the tree shape easily?
Cut a large triangle with a trunk from layered pastry, then make horizontal cuts for twisting branches.
- → Is it suitable for vegetarians?
This version is vegetarian, but adding prosciutto makes it suitable for those preferring meat options.
- → What is the baking temperature and time?
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden and puffed.