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Easy Pesto Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

Pesto Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree - featured image
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This Easy Pesto Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a quick and impressive holiday appetizer made with flaky puff pastry, creamy pesto filling, and a golden, buttery crust. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for Christmas parties and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons basil pesto
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing
  • Warm marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Thaw your puff pastry according to package directions until cold but pliable.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and pesto. Mix until smooth. Add the shredded mozzarella and stir until evenly distributed.
  4. Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the puff pastry sheet. Gently roll it out to a 10×15-inch rectangle.
  5. Spread the cream cheese and pesto mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around all edges.
  6. Starting from the long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Place seam-side down.
  7. Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise, splitting it into two long halves with the filling layers exposed.
  8. Turn the cut sides facing up. Gently twist the two strips together, keeping the cut sides facing up as much as possible.
  9. Transfer the twisted pastry to the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a Christmas tree form, starting at the top and working down to a wider base.
  10. Brush the entire tree with the egg wash. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
  11. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter.

Notes

Keep puff pastry cold for best flakiness. Do not overfill. For cleaner cutting, chill the log in the freezer for 15 minutes before slicing. Rotate pan halfway through baking for even browning. Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: puff pastry Christmas tree, pesto cream cheese appetizer, holiday appetizer, easy Christmas recipe, puff pastry appetizer

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/easy-pesto-cream-cheese-puff-pastry-christmas-tree-recipe/