Save Celebrate the holiday season with a festive and savory Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer. This delightful treat combines flaky, golden puff pastry with a creamy, herbed cheese filling enhanced by fragrant basil pesto. Shaped elegantly like a Christmas tree, it's designed to impress guests and add a whimsical touch to your holiday spread. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, it brings both flavor and festive cheer to any gathering.
Save This appetizer not only looks stunning but also delivers a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. The combination of cream cheese, basil pesto, garlic, and Parmesan makes each bite a festive delight. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this Christmas tree appetizer will quickly become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets (about 250 g each) puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- Filling
- 120 g cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp basil pesto
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 30 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, pesto, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 3. Unroll one puff pastry sheet on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a 1 cm border.
- 4. Place the second puff pastry sheet on top, pressing gently to seal.
- 5. Using a sharp knife, cut the shape of a large Christmas tree (triangle with a trunk) through both layers. Remove excess pastry and save for decorations.
- 6. Starting from the bottom of the tree, cut horizontal strips (about 2 cm wide) on both sides, leaving the center intact as the trunk.
- 7. Twist each strip away from the center 2–3 times to form branches.
- 8. Use leftover pastry to cut out stars or ornaments and place them on the tree.
- 9. Brush the entire tree with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and poppy seeds.
- 10. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- 11. Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold before working with it to achieve the best flaky texture. Work quickly when shaping and twisting the strips to keep the pastry firm. Brushing the beaten egg thoroughly will create a glossy, golden finish. Using fresh herbs in the filling elevates the flavor for a more vibrant result.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a twist, try substituting the basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto or tapenade. To make this appetizer non-vegetarian, add layers of prosciutto slices between the puff pastry sheets. Adjust the herbs and cheeses in the filling to your preference, mixing in ingredients like chives or smoked cheese for extra depth.
Serviervorschläge
This appetizer pairs wonderfully with sparkling white wine or a festive cocktail, making it ideal for holiday celebrations. Serve the puff pastry tree warm or at room temperature alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete festive starter.
Save With its charming appearance and rich, savory taste, the Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer is sure to become a beloved holiday tradition. Easy to customize and fast to prepare, it brings festive joy and delicious flavor to your celebrations, making every gathering a little more magical.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → What type of cheese works best for the filling?
Cream cheese provides a smooth rich base, perfectly complemented by grated Parmesan for sharpness and basil pesto for herbal depth.
- → Can I prepare this appetizer ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate it before baking to save time on the day of serving.
- → What are good variations to change the flavor?
Try sun-dried tomato pesto, tapenade, or add prosciutto slices to introduce different savory notes.
- → Why are sesame and poppy seeds used as toppings?
They add a visually appealing crunch and subtle nutty flavors to the golden baked pastry.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers wrapped in foil or an airtight container refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently before serving.