Last Updated on November 4, 2025 by Chef Josie
If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s quick, elegant, and irresistibly delicious, these Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are the answer. Golden, flaky pastry shaped like mini Christmas trees, filled with rich basil pesto and sprinkled with cheese, they’re festive finger foods that look as good as they taste.
These bite-sized pastries are perfect for Christmas party food ideas, holiday appetizers, or a cozy family brunch. They’re simple to prepare, bake beautifully, and disappear fast from any platter. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or bringing a dish to a Christmas buffet, these puff pastry trees are guaranteed to impress.
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Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 trees 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Flaky, golden puff pastry filled with basil pesto and cheese, shaped like Christmas trees for a festive appetizer that’s quick and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
-
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
-
4 tbsp basil pesto
-
½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan
-
1 egg, beaten
-
Red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread pesto and cheese between puff pastry sheets.
- Cut strips, twist, and shape into Christmas trees.
- Brush with egg wash and bake 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
Use sun-dried tomato pesto for a festive color twist.
Assemble ahead and bake fresh for parties.
Serve with extra pesto or marinara for dipping.
Freeze unbaked trees for future holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Party Food
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 185 kcal
Why You’ll Love These Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
- Quick and easy: Only 5 ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Festive and fun: Tree-shaped appetizers that add holiday charm.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: Buttery pastry meets savory pesto and cheese.
- Perfect for entertaining: Ideal for buffets, brunches, or cocktail parties.
- Customizable: Swap pesto for other fillings or make them sweet.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 tbsp basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Optional: red chili flakes or herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Assemble pastry: Roll out puff pastry sheets. Spread pesto evenly over one sheet, sprinkle with cheese, and place the second sheet on top.
- Shape the trees: Cut into long strips (about 1-inch wide). Twist each strip and shape it into a tree form on skewers or directly on the tray.
- Brush and bake: Brush with egg wash. Sprinkle with chili flakes or herbs if desired. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Serve: Cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes and Top Tips
- Use store-bought pesto for convenience or make your own for fresh flavor.
- For an extra festive look, top with red pepper flakes or chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- These can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like marinara or extra pesto for a bold flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are ideal for Christmas finger foods, holiday party appetizers, or Christmas brunch buffets. Serve them on a wooden board with small bowls of dips like pesto, ranch, or aioli for an impressive presentation.
Variations:
- Basil Pesto Christmas Tree: Use classic green basil pesto and Parmesan for a traditional flavor.
- Tomato Pesto Puff Pastry Tree: Use sun-dried tomato pesto for a red and green color contrast.
- Cheesy Christmas Trees: Add extra mozzarella or goat cheese for a melty texture.
- Sweet Version: Replace pesto with Nutella or jam and dust with powdered sugar for dessert-style trees.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until crisp again.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked trees flat, then bake from frozen for 15–18 minutes.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the trees a day in advance and bake just before serving.
Why You’ll Make Them Again
These Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are a holiday favorite for good reason: quick to make, beautiful to serve, and packed with buttery, herby flavor. They bring festive cheer to any spread, whether it’s Christmas Eve appetizers, a holiday brunch, or a Christmas dinner party.
With their golden layers and savory pesto filling, these trees are the perfect combination of flavor and flair, sure to become a new Christmas tradition.
FAQs
1. Can I make these pesto puff pastry trees ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Bake fresh before serving for the best texture.
2. Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! Try tomato pesto, caramelized onions, or cheese spreads for variety.
3. Can these be made without skewers?
Yes, shape the trees directly on parchment paper and bake as flat pastries.
4. How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Avoid overfilling with pesto and bake at a high temperature for a crisp finish.
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