Description

Delight your holiday guests with these festive Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees. Layers of flaky puff pastry and melted provolone cheese spread with vibrant pesto sauce are folded into charming tree shapes, baked to golden perfection, and brushed with a buttery garlic glaze for an irresistible appetizer that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry and Filling

2 puff pastry sheets
¼ cup prepared pesto sauce (plus more for serving)
6 ounces provolone cheese slices

Egg Wash

1 large egg
1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream

Garlic Butter Glaze

3 tablespoons salted butter
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Garnish

Cheese stars (optional, see note)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
Thaw Puff Pastry: If using refrigerated puff pastry, let it rest 5 minutes at room temperature. If frozen, allow 30 minutes to thaw before rolling.
Roll Out Puff Pastry: Lightly dust a cutting board with flour. Unfold one puff pastry sheet and roll into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Repeat with the second sheet.
Brush with Pesto and Layer Cheese: Spread pesto evenly over the first puff pastry sheet. Layer provolone cheese slices over the pesto, then place the second sheet on top to form a filled stack.
Cut and Fold Strips into Trees: Cut the stacked puff pastry into twelve 1-inch wide strips along the 12-inch side. Hold one strip, place the bottom 2-3 inches flat on the baking sheet, then fold the rest in a loose zig-zag pattern tapering towards the top to shape a Christmas tree. Insert a skewer vertically through the center to secure the folds, and gently spread the folds slightly to allow puffing during baking.
Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place six skewered pastry trees evenly spaced on each prepared baking sheet.
Prepare Egg Wash and Brush: Beat together the egg and heavy cream until smooth. Brush the egg wash over the tops and sides of each pastry tree to promote a golden glaze.
Bake the Trees: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Brush with Garlic Butter and Serve: While baking, melt butter and mix with garlic powder and salt. Immediately after removing the trees from the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture and a touch of extra pesto if desired. Top with cheese stars for a festive touch.

Notes

Let frozen puff pastry thaw sufficiently to ensure easy rolling and even baking.
Use skewers to keep the folded trees intact during baking; wooden or metal skewers work well.
Cheese stars are optional but add a charming festive appearance. You can use small cookie cutters to create stars from cheese slices before baking.
For a more intense garlic flavor, increase garlic powder slightly in the butter glaze.
Serve the trees warm with additional pesto sauce for dipping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: puff pastry, pesto, Christmas appetizer, holiday recipe, cheese pastry, festive snacks, easy appetizer, baked puff pastry, provolone cheese