Description
Delight your holiday gatherings with these festive Puff Pastry Pesto Christmas Trees. Crispy, golden puff pastry strips layered with creamy cream cheese, vibrant basil pesto, and melted shredded cheese create an irresistible and visually appealing appetizer perfect for Christmas or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 roll Puff Pastry
Fillings
- 3-4 tablespoons Basil Pesto
- 3-4 tablespoons Cream Cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Shredded Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the puff pastry to a golden crisp.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet over a piece of parchment paper, creating an even surface ready for toppings.
- Spread Fillings: Evenly spread the cream cheese over the puff pastry, followed by an even layer of basil pesto using a spoon or spatula. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Cut Strips: Using a knife or a pastry wheel cutter, cut the flavored puff pastry into strips approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
- Shape Christmas Trees: Fold the strips to form Christmas tree shapes. Optionally, insert a skewer in the center to support the shape and facilitate handling.
- Bake: Place the shaped pastry trees on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Notes
- You can omit the cream cheese for a lighter version if preferred.
- Use any shredded cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a festive cheese blend.
- These can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving to keep them fresh and crispy.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- For a vegan option, substitute cream cheese and shredded cheese with plant-based alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 tree)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
