Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy puff pastry, creamy cheese, and fresh basil pesto—especially when shaped into adorable little Christmas trees! These Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are the perfect mix of festive, flavorful, and fun to make. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want a snack that brings instant cheer, these bite-sized appetizers will quickly become your seasonal favorite.

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I’ve often seen sweet versions made with Nutella or cinnamon sugar, but since I’m all about savory snacks, this pesto and cheese variation is my go-to. The bright green from the pesto makes them naturally festive, and the golden pastry gives that irresistible crunch. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare—ideal if you want something impressive without spending all day in the kitchen.

You can even get the kids involved in shaping the trees and cutting out stars for the tops. I like to use small cookie cutters to make pastry stars, but you could also use cheese slices and pop them on top after baking for a melty touch.

If you don’t already own a set of festive cookie cutters, grab a few online—they come in handy for everything from charcuterie board decorations to topping mince pies and shaping cookies for gift boxes.

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• Ingredients
• How to Make Them
• Watch How to Make It
• Got a Question?
• More Holiday Appetizer Ideas

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees at home. The list is simple, but the flavor is incredible.

Puff Pastry

Choose a good-quality all-butter puff pastry if you can find it—it makes a big difference in flavor and flakiness. If you’re short on time, ready-rolled pastry sheets are perfect too.

Basil Pesto

Homemade pesto is always best (and takes less than five minutes to make), but your favorite store-bought brand will work perfectly. I recommend the fresh kind from the refrigerator section rather than jarred versions, which tend to be oilier and saltier.
Want to mix it up? Try these fun twists:

• Sun-dried tomato pesto for a deeper, tangier flavor.
• Caramelized onion relish for sweetness.
• Zhoug sauce if you love spice and herbs.
• Sweet chili jam for a balance of heat and sweetness.

Cheese

This recipe uses mozzarella and parmesan for that dreamy, stretchy texture and savory kick. But feel free to play with what you have on hand—cheddar, gruyère, blue cheese, or manchego all make excellent substitutes.

Optional Finishes

Once baked, I love to drizzle the trees with hot honey or sweet chili sauce, then sprinkle a few red pepper flakes for color and a festive touch. This step is optional, but it makes the flavor pop and adds a lovely glossy finish.

How to Make Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees

These Christmas tree appetizers look intricate, but they’re actually very simple to assemble. Follow these easy steps and you’ll have golden, flaky trees ready in no time.

Step 1: Spread the Pesto and Cheese

Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Unroll one sheet of puff pastry onto a clean surface (I like to keep it on its own baking paper—it makes cleanup so much easier).
Spread a thin, even layer of basil pesto across the pastry, making sure to reach the edges. Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the pesto so every bite gets that cheesy goodness.

Step 2: Layer and Slice

Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top to sandwich the filling, then gently press or roll it down to seal everything together.
With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 1-inch (2.5 cm) wide strips along the short side—this will give you the perfect tree height.
Before finishing the cuts, leave about a 2-inch strip of pastry on one side so you can use it later for the stars.

Step 3: Shape the Trees

Take one strip of filled pastry and fold it over itself several times to create a rough triangle tree shape—think of how a ribbon folds back and forth.
Once folded, insert a small wooden skewer from the bottom through the center to hold its shape.
Use a mini star cutter to cut out stars from the reserved pastry and skewer them on top of each tree.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the trees on your lined baking tray and brush each one lightly with the whisked egg.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until beautifully golden, puffed, and crisp.
When they’re fresh out of the oven, drizzle a little hot honey or sweet chili sauce on top and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra holiday sparkle.

Serving Ideas

These Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees make perfect party appetizers or finger foods for Christmas Eve gatherings. Serve them on a festive platter with dips like marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or whipped feta. They’re best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when the pastry is crisp and the cheese is gooey.

Prep Tips and Variations

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the trees up to a day in advance. Cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
• Cheese Lovers: Add a little extra mozzarella if you like a super cheesy pull.
• Spice It Up: Mix a little chili oil into your pesto for a fiery version.
• Mini Trees: Cut the strips in half to make bite-sized versions—great for cocktail parties!

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