Introduction

These Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are festive, flaky, and packed with cheesy, herby flavor. Perfect as a holiday appetizer or party snack, they are fun to make and sure to impress your guests.

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface with several golden-brown puff pastry sticks twisted into tree shapes, each with layers of green pesto and melted cheese visible throughout, skewered on wooden sticks. Small star-shaped pale yellow cheese pieces are placed on top of some trees as decorations, and coarse salt grains are sprinkled over the pastries. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered around the plate, and a small white bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce rests on the plate’s upper left side. A deep red cloth is partly visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 puff pastry sheets
¼ cup prepared pesto sauce (plus more for serving)
6 ounces provolone cheese slices
1 large egg
1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons salted butter
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
Cheese stars (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: If using refrigerated puff pastry, let it rest for 5 minutes at room temperature; if frozen, allow it to rest for 30 minutes before using.
Step 3: Lightly dust a cutting board with flour. Unfold one puff pastry sheet and roll it into a 10- x 12-inch rectangle. Repeat with the second sheet.
Step 4: Brush the pesto evenly over the entire surface of one pastry sheet. Layer the provolone slices over the pesto, then place the second pastry sheet on top to form a sandwich.
Step 5: Cut the stacked pastry along the 12-inch side into twelve 1-inch strips.
Step 6: Take one strip and place the bottom 2-3 inches flat on the cutting board or baking sheet. Fold the rest of the strip in a loose zig-zag pattern, making each fold slightly shorter to create a tapered tree shape. Insert a skewer through the center from bottom to top to secure it. Gently spread the folds to allow room for puffing during baking.
Step 7: Arrange six prepared trees evenly on each baking sheet.
Step 8: Whisk the egg and heavy cream together. Brush the tops and sides of each tree with this egg wash.
Step 9: Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 10: While baking, melt butter and whisk in garlic powder and salt. As soon as the trees come out of the oven, brush them with this melted butter mixture and a little extra pesto if desired. Top with cheese stars if you like.

Tips & Variations

Try different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a unique flavor twist.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, use a vegetarian pesto or make your own without cheese.
Skip the pesto for a simple cheesy puff pastry tree or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra color.

Storage

Store leftover pesto puff pastry trees in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. These are best enjoyed fresh but can be served warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a skewer held by a woman's hand showing a pastry shaped like a Christmas tree with three wavy, golden-baked layers filled with a green pesto sauce, topped with a small white cheese star at the peak. In the background, there is a white plate with more of these pesto pastry trees and a small white bowl of red dipping sauce, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the trees and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking, but avoid making them too far in advance to prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy.

What can I use instead of skewers?

If you don’t have skewers, toothpicks can work for smaller trees. Alternatively, you can carefully bake the trees without skewers, but they may not hold their shape as well.