Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 475 reviews
  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 18 min
  • Total Time: 28 min
  • Yield: 24 pieces
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: International
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer is a festive and easy-to-make holiday treat featuring flaky puff pastry layered with flavorful pesto, melted mozzarella cheese, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Perfect as a savory appetizer, it offers multiple filling options and can be customized to suit dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free versions. Ready in under 30 minutes, this appetizer is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

  • 17.3 oz puff pastry (2 sheets; use vegan/gluten-free if preferred)

Filling

  • 2.6 oz pesto (homemade or storebought, drain excess oil)
  • 1.6 oz mozzarella cheese (or another melty cheese like cheddar)
  • 4.2 oz cherry tomatoes (at least 15-16 tomatoes)

Finishing

  • 0.5 oz butter (melted OR vegan butter/coconut oil)
  • Few basil leaves (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pesto (Optional): If using homemade pesto, blend fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor until smooth. Drain any excess oil to avoid sogginess.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot when you place the pastry inside.
  3. Prepare Puff Pastry Sheets: Roll out the two sheets of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Trim edges if necessary so they are even and stack one sheet on top of the other.
  4. Spread the Pesto: Evenly spread the pesto over the top puff pastry sheet, covering the entire surface but leaving a small border around the edges.
  5. Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto layer. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and distribute them evenly over the cheese.
  6. Assemble the Tree: Using a sharp knife, cut the stacked puff pastry into a Christmas tree shape. Then make horizontal cuts along the sides, making strips that can be twisted to resemble tree branches.
  7. Twist the Branches: Carefully twist each strip a few times away from the center to create a layered tree effect.
  8. Brush with Butter: Using a pastry brush, coat the entire pastry tree with melted butter or vegan butter/coconut oil for a golden finish.
  9. Bake: Place the puff pastry tree on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 18 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • This appetizer can be customized with various fillings such as sweet options including cinnamon sugar and Nutella or savory alternatives like tapenade or caramelized onions.
  • Use vegan or gluten-free puff pastry and cheese alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Make sure to drain pesto oil to prevent soggy pastry.
  • For a more festive presentation, you can add small edible decorations such as pomegranate seeds or edible glitter.
  • Serve this dish warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 135 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 96 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 3 mg

Find it online: https://jmrecipes.com/puff-pastry-christmas-tree-appetizer-recipe/