Description
These delightful Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are a festive and savory appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of flaky puff pastry, aromatic pesto, and melty provolone cheese are shaped into charming tree forms and baked to golden perfection. Finished with a garlic butter glaze and optional cheese stars, these eye-catching treats are sure to impress your guests with both flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry and Filling
- 2 puff pastry sheets
- ¼ cup prepared pesto sauce (plus more for serving)
- 6 ounces provolone cheese slices
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
Garlic Butter Glaze
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional
- Cheese stars for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Rest the puff pastry: If using refrigerated puff pastry, allow it to rest for 5 minutes at room temperature. If frozen, rest for 30 minutes to soften for easier handling.
- Roll out puff pastry: Lightly dust a cutting board with flour to prevent sticking. Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and roll it into a 10- x 12-inch rectangle. Repeat with the second sheet.
- Assemble layers: Brush the pesto sauce evenly over the surface of one puff pastry rectangle. Layer the provolone cheese slices evenly on top. Place the second puff pastry sheet over the layers to create a stacked sandwich.
- Cut and fold strips: Cut the stacked puff pastry along the 12-inch side into twelve 1-inch wide strips. Pick up one strip and place the bottom 2-3 inches flat on the baking sheet. Fold the strip back and forth in a zig-zag pattern, making each fold slightly shorter than the one before so it tapers like a Christmas tree. Insert a skewer vertically through the center of the folded strip to hold the shape.
- Arrange on baking sheets: Place six skewered pastry trees evenly spaced on each prepared baking sheet, allowing room for puffing.
- Apply egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy whipping cream until smooth. Brush the tops and sides of each pastry tree with the egg wash to achieve a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake: Bake the trees in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes until they are puffed, golden brown, and the pastry is cooked through.
- Prepare garlic butter glaze and finish: While the trees bake, melt the salted butter and whisk in the garlic powder and salt. Immediately after baking, brush the warm trees generously with the garlic butter mixture and add a little extra pesto if desired. Decorate with cheese stars for a festive touch.
Notes
- If using frozen puff pastry, ensure it is fully thawed for easy rolling and folding.
- The skewers help maintain the tree shape while baking and make handling easier.
- Cheese stars can be made from leftover puff pastry or store-bought for decoration.
- Extra pesto can be served on the side for dipping.
- Ensure to space the pastry trees well on the baking sheet to allow full puffing during baking.
