Description
Delightful and festive Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees, perfect as a savory holiday snack or appetizer. This recipe features flaky puff pastry layered with creamy cream cheese, aromatic basil pesto, and melted shredded cheese, shaped into charming Christmas tree forms and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 roll Puff Pastry (approximately 8 x 8 inches)
- 3-4 tablespoons Basil Pesto
- 3-4 tablespoons Cream Cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Shredded Cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the puff pastry to a golden, flaky texture.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: Lay the puff pastry sheet onto a piece of parchment paper and roll it out gently to smooth any creases and ensure even thickness.
- Spread Cream Cheese and Pesto: Using a spoon or spatula, spread the cream cheese evenly over the surface of the puff pastry, followed by an even layer of basil pesto to infuse vibrant flavor.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pesto-covered pastry to add a savory, melty topping.
- Cut Strips: Using a sharp knife or a pizza wheel cutter, cut the puff pastry into approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) wide strips, which will be shaped into Christmas trees.
- Form Trees: Twist or fold the strips to create the shape of Christmas trees. You may insert a skewer down the center for stability if desired, or simply shape them freehand.
- Bake: Transfer the formed puff pastry trees onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the pesto does not contain Parmesan or anchovies.
- You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta or mascarpone for a different creamy texture.
- Use your favorite shredded cheese blend such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère for varied flavors.
- Let the puff pastry thaw completely if using frozen before rolling out to avoid cracking.
- These can be made ahead and baked just before serving for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2-3 puff pastry trees)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
