Description
A show-stopping Pesto Cheese Christmas Tree—crispy puff pastry and melty cheeses layered with herbaceous pesto, perfect for holiday entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed (all-butter preferred)
- 3/4 cup high-quality pesto (homemade or good-quality jar)
- 1 cup low-moisture shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino
- 2–3 tablespoons cream cheese (softened, optional)
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
- Flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Lay one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and trim to form a large triangle (about 10–12 inches tall). Repeat with second sheet for a smaller triangle to stack on top.
- If using cream cheese, spread a thin layer over the bottom pastry triangle as a moisture barrier. Spread 1/3–1/2 cup pesto evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Scatter half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan over the pesto. If stacking, repeat with the smaller triangle.
- Cut slits on both sides of the triangle to create branches and twist each branch for a spiral effect.
- Transfer the tree to the baking sheet and brush lightly with egg wash.
- Sprinkle remaining Parmesan and pine nuts on top; season with flaky salt and cracked pepper.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until deeply golden and puffed. If tips brown too quickly, tent with foil.
- Cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
Keep the puff pastry and butter cold during preparation for best lift. If using store-bought pesto, remove excess oil to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: holiday appetizer, puff pastry, cheese, pesto, festive