Description
These Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees are a delightful and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Crisp, golden puff pastry strips are layered with creamy cream cheese, fragrant basil pesto, and melted shredded cheese, then baked to perfection to create charming tree-shaped snacks that are both delicious and visually appealing.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 roll puff pastry
- 4 tablespoon basil pesto
- 4 tablespoon cream cheese, optional
- 2 tablespoon shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the puff pastry evenly.
- Prepare puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet over parchment paper to create a flat surface ready for toppings.
- Spread toppings: Evenly spread the cream cheese over the rolled puff pastry using a spoon or spatula, followed by an even layer of basil pesto on top.
- Add shredded cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pesto layer to add flavor and a golden finish once baked.
- Cut strips: Using a knife or wheel cutter, cut the puff pastry into approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide strips for shaping.
- Shape trees: Fold each strip to form the shape of Christmas trees; optionally, insert a skewer in the middle to help maintain shape.
- Bake: Place the shaped puff pastry trees on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until they turn golden and puffed.
Notes
- You can make your own basil pesto at home for a fresher flavor.
- Add a star cut out of cheese on top of each tree for extra festive decoration.
- Using cream cheese is optional but adds a creamy texture that balances the pesto well.
- Make sure to bake until golden to ensure the puff pastry is fully cooked and crispy.
- If using skewers, be careful when removing them after baking as they will be hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
