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Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This festive Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer is a delightful and visually stunning holiday snack that combines flaky puff pastry layered with savory pesto or pizza sauce and melty cheeses. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and bakes into a golden, twisted Christmas tree shape adorned with fresh herbs, served best warm with your choice of dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry and Sauce

  • 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
  • 1/2 cup pesto or pizza sauce

Cheese

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Additional

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Fresh rosemary or parsley (for garnish)
  • Marinara or ranch sauce (for dipping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
  2. Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out both sheets of puff pastry until smooth and even, ensuring an even thickness for consistent baking.
  3. Assemble the Base Layer: Place one sheet of puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Evenly spread the pesto or pizza sauce over it, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leakage during baking.
  4. Add Cheese Layers: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the sauce layer to create a rich, cheesy filling.
  5. Top with Second Puff Pastry Sheet: Carefully place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the cheese layer, gently pressing down to seal the edges.
  6. Cut the Christmas Tree Shape: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut a large Christmas tree shape—a tall triangle with a small rectangle trunk at the bottom. Remove any excess pastry from the sides to create the tree outline.
  7. Create Branches and Twists: Starting from the bottom of the triangle, cut horizontal strips on both sides, leaving the center intact as the trunk. Gently twist each strip a few times to form spiral branches for a decorative effect.
  8. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the entire surface with the beaten egg to promote a golden, glossy finish once baked.
  9. Bake: Place the prepared tree in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Let the tree cool slightly, then garnish with fresh rosemary or parsley to mimic pine needles. Serve warm, accompanied by marinara or ranch dipping sauces if desired.

Notes

  • Use puff pastry trimmings to create mini twists or star shapes with cookie cutters for extra festive snacks.
  • For a sweet variation, substitute pesto and cheeses with Nutella or cinnamon sugar as the filling.
  • Ensure puff pastry sheets are fully thawed before rolling to prevent cracking.
  • Handle the pastry gently to maintain the layers and achieve the best puffiness.

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Find it online: https://dailydinnersolutions.com/puff-pastry-christmas-tree-appetizer-recipe/