Dessert

Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Pesto & Cheese Delight Recipe

Bymia larkspur November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

Introduction

This Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Pesto & Cheese is a festive and delicious appetizer that’s sure to impress your holiday guests. Crispy, cheesy, and vibrant with fresh pesto, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

The image shows a braided pastry with seven visible layers of golden-brown, flaky puff pastry twisted over a green pesto and melted cheese filling. The shiny top layers have a crisp, textured surface with small salt crystals scattered on them. Bright red pomegranate seeds and fresh rosemary sprigs are placed on top as decoration. The pastry is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
100g basil pesto
120g shredded mozzarella

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lay one sheet of puff pastry on a piece of parchment paper.
Step 2: Spread the basil pesto evenly over the puff pastry sheet, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top.
Step 3: Place the second puff pastry sheet over the first, pressing gently to seal.
Step 4: Cut the layered pastry into a large triangle shape to form the tree.
Step 5: Cut strips along the sides of the triangle and twist each strip to create branches.
Step 6: Use any pastry scraps to cut out a small star and place it at the top of the tree.
Step 7: Brush the entire pastry with a beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.
Step 8: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Step 9: Garnish with pomegranate seeds, cherry tomatoes, or fresh rosemary for a festive touch before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese along with the mozzarella before baking.
Try swapping basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto for a different twist.
If you don’t have a star cutter, use a knife to carefully carve a star shape from the pastry scraps.
Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the cheesy pesto flavors.

Storage

Store any leftover pastry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes to retain crispiness. This puff pastry is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a braided pastry made of golden-brown, flaky layers of dough that are shiny and crisp on top. Inside the braid, there is a rich green pesto layer with a rough, slightly chunky texture, mixed with melted white cheese that is gooey and creamy. The pastry is decorated with small bright red pomegranate seeds and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, adding a pop of color and green to the dish. The pastry rests on a wooden board, which contrasts with the food’s colors, and the photo is close-up, showing the detailed layers and textures of the pastry and its filling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry straight from the freezer?

It’s best to thaw puff pastry sheets in the refrigerator before using to ensure even puffing and easier handling.

What can I use if I don’t have pesto?

You can substitute basil pesto with other spreads like tapenade, cream cheese mixed with herbs, or even a thin layer of tomato sauce for a different flavor profile.

Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Pesto & Cheese Delight Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 102 reviews

A festive and flavorful Puff Pastry Christmas Tree filled with aromatic basil pesto and gooey mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make appetizer features layers of crisp, golden puff pastry twisted into a tree shape, perfect for holiday celebrations and gatherings.

Author: mia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
100g basil pesto
120g shredded mozzarella
1 beaten egg (for brushing)

Garnish

Pomegranate seeds or cherry tomatoes (for garnish)
Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the puff pastry to a golden crisp.
Assemble Layers: Place one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a piece of parchment paper. Evenly spread the 100g of basil pesto over the pastry surface, then sprinkle 120g of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Cover this with the second sheet of puff pastry to create a layered effect.
Shape the Tree: Cut the assembled puff pastry into a large triangle shape, resembling a Christmas tree. Then, carefully cut the side strips and twist them to form branches, giving the tree its iconic layered look. Use spare pastry scraps to cut out a small star to place on the top of the tree.
Egg Wash: Brush the entire tree generously with the beaten egg to give it a glossy, golden finish once baked.
Bake: Transfer the prepared parchment paper with the shaped pastry onto a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up, golden brown, and cooked through.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked and cooled slightly, garnish the Christmas tree with pomegranate seeds or cherry tomatoes and fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive flair and added color. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful holiday appetizer.

Notes

Ensure puff pastry sheets are thawed properly before assembling for easier handling and better puffing.
You can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like fontina or gouda for different flavors.
Use a sharp knife for clean cuts and twisting to avoid tearing the pastry.
Brush edges carefully with egg wash to help seal and give a golden color.
Garnishes like pomegranate seeds add a burst of freshness and color but are optional.

Keywords: puff pastry, Christmas tree appetizer, pesto cheese pastry, holiday appetizer, festive snacks, baked puff pastry

mia larkspur

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