Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees

Name: Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 eggs; 2 tablespoons water; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes; 3 cloves garlic; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves; 2 sprigs fresh oregano; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch black pepper; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons pine nuts; ¼ cup parmesan cheese; ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

By:

Thomas

Published:

November 15, 2025

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Creating Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees is one of those recipes that brings so much warmth and joy! They not only look stunning but are surprisingly easy to prepare. When the holiday season rolls around, these festive little trees make for perfect appetizers, bursting with vibrant flavors and flair that can impress anyone at your gatherings. The combination of flaky pastry and rich, zesty pesto creates an unforgettable bite that guests won’t soon forget. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or visiting friends, this dish is bound to be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on making something magical this holiday season!

Why This Recipe Works

Creating delicious Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees combines the flaky texture of puff pastry with the vibrant flavors of pesto. This balance offers an impressive and festive dish that is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to any holiday spread. The pastry gets beautifully golden and crisp during baking, while the pesto infuses every bite with fresh, herby goodness. This recipe captivates both the eyes and the taste buds, making it a go-to for many occasions when you want to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees

Not only are these festive trees visually stunning, but they also pack a flavor punch thanks to the aromatic blend of fresh herbs and spices. They serve as delightful bite-sized appetizers that can elevate your holiday gatherings. With each bite, you’ll enjoy a wonderful mix of textures—the crunch of the pastry and the smooth, rich pesto filling. And let’s not forget, they’re easy to customize, meaning you can play around with ingredients to suit your palates or those of your guests. It’s a true crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 eggs
2 tablespoons water
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
3 cloves garlic
¼ cup fresh basil leaves
2 sprigs fresh oregano
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
1 pinch salt
1 pinch black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons pine nuts
¼ cup parmesan cheese
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

Making the Red Pesto

Blend the Ingredients for Red Pesto

Start by grabbing your food processor, and add the sun-dried tomatoes, 3 cloves of garlic, ¼ cup of fresh basil, 2 sprigs of oregano, 1 tablespoon of parsley, a pinch of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of pine nuts. Drizzle in ⅓ cup of extra virgin olive oil and blend everything until it’s smooth. Once you reach that velvety consistency, transfer the red pesto to a bowl. You may want to clean the food processor, as you’ll need it for the green pesto next.

Making the Green Pesto

Blend the Ingredients for Green Pesto

In your clean food processor, toss in ½ cup of fresh basil, ¼ cup of fresh parsley, a pinch of salt, a pinch of black pepper, 2 tablespoons of pine nuts, and ¼ cup of parmesan cheese. As you blend, slowly pour in ⅓ cup of extra virgin olive oil. Blend it until everything is well combined and smooth. This vibrant green pesto adds a nice pop of color and flavor to your Christmas trees!

Preparing the Puff Pastry

Thaw and Cut the Puff Pastry

Before you get started, ensure your puff pastry sheets are completely thawed for the best results, as the flakiness is key to a delightful bite. Slice each pastry sheet into 8 equal-sized strips, each roughly 1 inch wide. This will give you the perfect canvas for building your holiday trees!

Assembling the Christmas Trees

Brush and Spread the Pesto

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons of water to create an egg wash. Brush each strip of puff pastry with this egg wash. Then, lay them down egg wash side down, ready for a generous spread of the alternating layers of red and green pesto. It’s a simple touch that adds a fantastic burst of flavor and makes your trees really stand out.

Folding the Pastry

Create the Tree Shape

Now, it’s time to shape those trees! Chill the layered strips in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes; this step is crucial for keeping the pastry in shape. While they chill, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After chilling, fold the puff pastry strips in an accordion style—starting with wide folds before making each subsequent fold slightly narrower. This will give you the lovely triangular shape of a Christmas tree. Simply pierce a skewer through the center of the folded pastry to hold everything together.

Baking

Bake the Pesto Puff Pastry Trees

Place your assembled trees on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they’ve got some space around them. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the trees are golden brown and flaky. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be mouthwatering! Once done, allow them to cool for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

Ensure puff pastry is properly thawed for the best flakiness.
Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps the pastry maintain its shape.
Feel free to adjust the pesto flavors to suit your taste preferences; perhaps add more garlic or a kick from extra red pepper flakes.

Variations

Substitute different types of cheese, like feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor twist that can surprise your guests.
For a quicker preparation time, use store-bought pesto; it saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Consider adding roasted red peppers or olives to bring in additional layers of flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Consider serving these festive trees as an appetizer at holiday parties. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or make a stunning part of a larger festive charcuterie board. They’re not just a tasty treat but an eye-catching centerpiece that can brighten any table.

Pairing Ideas

To complement the rich flavors of the pesto and pastry, consider pairing the trees with a sparkling wine or a light, zesty white wine. These beverages enhance the overall experience and add a bubbly touch to your holiday celebration.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pesto and assemble the trees a day in advance, then bake them just before serving. This can save you time on the big day.

2. Can I freeze these puff pastry trees?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked trees on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

3. What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?
If a food processor isn’t available, you can use a blender! However, if that’s not an option either, just chop the ingredients finely by hand.

4. Are these vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are vegetarian, making it suitable for various diets.

5. Can I use other types of herbs?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as thyme or cilantro. Changing the herbs can create fun and varied flavor profiles.

Creating Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees not only offers a delightful visual element but also an array of flavors that will impress your guests. By balancing the flaky texture of the pastry with the rich, aromatic pesto, these festive treats are sure to become a holiday favorite. Embrace the spirit of the season with this elegant yet simple recipe that elevates any celebration!

Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees

Why This Recipe Works

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees