The holidays are always a whirlwind, aren’t they? Between the shopping, the wrapping, and the endless parties, sometimes it feels impossible to catch a breath, let alone whip up a Pinterest-worthy appetizer. But fear not, my friend, because I’m Clara, and I’m here to share a recipe that’s as festive as it is fuss-free: Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree. In just 25 minutes, you can have a show-stopping snack that will wow your guests and make you feel like the holiday hostess with the mostess! This Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is the perfect addition to any festive holiday gathering.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Let me tell you, this isn’t just another appetizer recipe. This Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a game-changer, especially if you’re juggling a million things this holiday season and need more quick meal solutions like a cozy one-pan weeknight dinner. Here’s why I think you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Super Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your family’s tastes. Don’t like pesto? Use sun-dried tomato paste!
- Minimal Ingredients: No need to hunt down obscure items at specialty stores; this recipe uses everyday ingredients you probably already have.
- Quick Prep Time: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 25 minutes, making it perfect for those last-minute gatherings.
- Fun for Kids: Get the little ones involved! They’ll love helping to spread the pesto and shape the Christmas tree. For more ideas on involving children in the kitchen, explore our easy and delicious iron-rich recipes for kids.
What Makes This Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree So Good
Puff pastry, with its flaky, buttery layers, has been a staple in kitchens for centuries. It’s said to have originated in France in the 17th century, and it’s been making our lives easier (and tastier) ever since! Basil pesto, with its vibrant green color and herbaceous flavor, hails from Genoa, Italy. Combining these two culinary powerhouses is a match made in heaven, especially around Christmas. The pesto’s green hue perfectly mimics a Christmas tree, and the cheesy addition brings a comforting, festive touch that everyone will love. Plus, who can resist warm, cheesy, flaky goodness during the holidays?
Spectacular Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet over parchment paper.
- Spread the cream cheese, then the basil pesto evenly on top of the puff pastry, using a spoon or a spatula.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top as well.
- With a knife or with a wheel cutter, cut the puff pastry into strips large about 1 inch / 2.5 cm.
- Fold the strips to make the Christmas tree shape. You can leave the puff pastry as it is or add a skewer in the middle as I did.
- Bake the snacks in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden.
Notes
Ingredients for Your Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Here’s what you’ll need to create this festive treat:
- 1 roll Puff Pastry
- 3-4 tbsp Basil Pesto
- 3-4 tbsp Cream Cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp Shredded cheese
A Note on Ingredients: For the pesto, feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. It’s important to be aware of food safety practices, as there have been reported instances of botulism outbreaks potentially linked to improperly stored or prepared pesto. I love using a good quality mozzarella for the shredded cheese, but parmesan or a blend of Italian cheeses would also work beautifully. And if you’re using cream cheese, make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easier spreading.
How to Make Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to bring this Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree to life:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet over parchment paper.
- Spread the cream cheese, then the basil pesto evenly on top of the puff pastry, using a spoon or a spatula.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top as well.
- With a knife or with a wheel cutter, cut the puff pastry into strips large about 1 inch / 2.5 cm.
- Fold the strips to make the Christmas tree shape. You can leave the puff pastry as it is or add a skewer in the middle as I did.
- Bake the snacks in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden.
Tips for the Perfect Basil Pesto Christmas Tree
Want to take your Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips:
- Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Puff pastry is much easier to work with when it’s cold. Take it out of the fridge just before you’re ready to use it.
- Thicken Thin Pesto: If your pesto is a bit too thin, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to thicken it up.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the Christmas tree while it’s baking. You want it to be golden brown, but not burnt.
- Even Layers: When folding the pastry strips, try to make the layers as even as possible for a uniform look.
Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few delicious variations to try:
| Variation | Pesto | Cheese | Additional Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sun-dried Tomato | Feta | Olives |
| Spinach Artichoke | Spinach & Artichoke | Mozzarella | |
| Spicy Italian | Red Pepper Pesto | Provolone | Sliced Pepperoni |
How to Make Ahead of Time
If you’re prepping for a party, you can definitely make this Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree ahead of time. Simply assemble the tree as instructed, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the preheated oven and bake as directed.
Serving Suggestions
This Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a dipping sauce! I love serving it with a side of marinara sauce or a creamy garlic dip.
How to Store and Reheat
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy. To keep puff pastry crispy after baking, let it cool completely on a wire rack before storing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made pesto? What are the best brands if so?
Absolutely! I often use pre-made pesto for convenience. Some of my favorite brands include Barilla and Classico.
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Provolone, parmesan, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious.
Can this be made vegan?
It can be a little tricky, but yes! You’ll need to use puff pastry that’s made without butter (check the ingredients carefully). Also, make sure your pesto is vegan (some contain parmesan cheese) or make your own! Use vegan cream cheese and vegan shredded cheese.
How can I prevent the puff pastry from sticking?
Make sure you’re rolling out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface or parchment paper. This will prevent it from sticking and make it easier to work with.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving (this is just an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 12g
More Christmas Appetizer Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more festive appetizer ideas? Check out these other recipes on Cooking Inspired, like this energizing high iron snack recipe:
Conclusion
And there you have it, my friend! A Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try for your next holiday gathering. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out! Did you try any fun variations? I can’t wait to hear all about it. Happy cooking!
