🌲 Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
A crispy, golden, pull-apart holiday appetizer that’s great for Christmas parties, family dinners, or snacks.
⏱ Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Bake: 20–25 minutes
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Total: ~40 minutes
🍽 Serves
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6–8 people (as an appetizer)
🧾 Ingredients
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2 sheets ready-rolled puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
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4–6 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
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1 cup grated cheese
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Mozzarella (melty)
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Parmesan (flavor)
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Cheddar (optional, for sharpness)
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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Optional toppings:
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Sesame seeds
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Poppy seeds
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Italian herbs
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Optional garnish:
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Cherry tomato or olive (for the tree “star”)
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👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Base
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Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F
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Line a baking tray with parchment paper
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Lay one puff pastry sheet on the tray
2️⃣ Add Filling
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Spread basil pesto evenly over the pastry (leave a small border)
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Sprinkle grated cheese evenly on top
3️⃣ Build the Tree
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Place the second puff pastry sheet on top
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Gently press down to seal
4️⃣ Shape the Tree
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Cut the pastry into a large triangle (tree shape)
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Cut horizontal strips on both sides, leaving the center intact
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Twist each strip away from the center
5️⃣ Finish & Bake
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Brush with egg wash
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Sprinkle toppings if using
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Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and puffed
6️⃣ Serve
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Let cool 5 minutes
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Decorate with cherry tomato/olive on top
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Serve warm 🌟
❓ Q & A
❓ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the tree, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Bake fresh before serving.
❓ Can I freeze it?
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Unbaked: Freeze, then bake straight from frozen (+5 extra minutes)
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Baked: Not recommended — puff pastry loses crispness
❓ What cheese works best?
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Mozzarella = best melt
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Parmesan = strongest flavor
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Cheddar = sharper taste
➡️ A mix of mozzarella + parmesan is ideal
❓ Can I use something other than pesto?
Absolutely! Try:
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Tomato sauce + cheese
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Cream cheese + herbs
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Spinach & feta
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Garlic butter + cheese
❓ Why is my pastry not crispy?
Common reasons:
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Oven not hot enough
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Too much filling
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Pastry wasn’t cold before baking
💡 Tip: Chill the shaped tree 10 minutes before baking for extra puff.
❓ Can I make it vegan?
Yes!
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Use vegan puff pastry
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Vegan pesto
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Vegan cheese or nutritional yeast
❓ How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in oven at 180°C / 350°F for 5–7 minutes
(Avoid microwave — it makes pastry soggy)