Pin It Celebrate the holiday season with a stunning Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer that's as delightful to look at as it is to eat. This festive savory pastry is beautifully shaped like a Christmas tree and filled with a creamy blend of herbed cheese and aromatic basil pesto. Ideal for holiday gatherings, this appetizer brings both flavor and festive cheer to your table, impressing guests with its golden, flaky branches.
Pin It This appetizer combines classic European flavors wrapped in a playful and festive form. The herbed cream cheese and pesto filling creates a rich, savory profile complimented by the crunchy, delicate texture of puff pastry. It's a perfect dish to share the joy of the season and impress your loved ones with your culinary creativity.
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
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Prepare the filling
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, pesto, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 3. Roll out the first pastry sheet
- Unroll one puff pastry sheet on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a 1 cm border.
- 4. Seal with the second sheet
- Place the second puff pastry sheet on top, pressing gently to seal.
- 5. Cut the tree shape
- 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. Create branches
- 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 the branches
- Twist each strip away from the center 2–3 times to form branches.
- 8. Decorate with pastry ornaments
- Use leftover pastry to cut out stars or ornaments and place them on the tree.
- 9. Apply topping
- Brush the entire tree with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and poppy seeds.
- 10. Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- 11. Serve
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure your puff pastry sheets are properly thawed but still cold to maintain a flaky texture during baking. When twisting the branches, try not to tear the pastry to keep the design intact and beautiful. Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and allows for easy cleanup.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto or tapenade as an alternative filling for different flavor profiles. For those who enjoy meat, adding prosciutto slices inside the filling layers adds a savory depth. Feel free to omit poppy seeds if you prefer, or try sprinkling with your favorite seeds or seasonings.
Serviervorschläge
This Puff Pastry Christmas Tree pairs wonderfully with a sparkling white wine or a festive cocktail to elevate your holiday celebration. Serve it as an appetizer alongside a fresh green salad or a light soup for a complete meal that feels both special and comforting.
Pin It With its festive appearance and delicious herbaceous filling, this Puff Pastry Christmas Tree makes your holiday table a little more magical. Whether you prepare it as a fun project or a last-minute party treat, it promises smiles and satisfied appetites. Happy holidays and bon appétit!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of puff pastry works best?
Use thawed, high-quality refrigerated puff pastry sheets for a flaky, golden crust.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
You can assemble the pastry and refrigerate it before baking, but bake it fresh for best texture and flavor.
- → What variations can enhance the filling?
Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, tapenade, or fresh herbs like thyme to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- → How to ensure even browning?
Brush the pastry evenly with beaten egg wash and rotate the baking sheet midway through cooking.
- → Are there suitable serving suggestions?
Serve warm or at room temperature alongside sparkling white wine or festive cocktails for a complete holiday experience.