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Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 145 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 18 min
  • Total Time: 28 min
  • Yield: 24 pieces
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer is a festive and delicious treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring flaky puff pastry layered with flavorful pesto, melty mozzarella cheese, and fresh cherry tomatoes, this appetizer offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Easy to assemble and quick to bake, it can accommodate multiple filling options including vegan and gluten-free variations, making it a versatile choice for any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 17.3 oz puff pastry (2 sheets; use vegan/gluten-free if preferred)
  • 0.5 oz butter (melted OR vegan butter/coconut oil)

Filling

  • 2.6 oz pesto (homemade or storebought, drained of excess oil)
  • 1.6 oz mozzarella cheese (or another melty cheese like cheddar)
  • 4.2 oz cherry tomatoes (at least 15-16 tomatoes)

Garnish

  • Few basil leaves (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pesto (if homemade): If you choose to make your own pesto, blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and nutritional yeast or cheese until smooth. Drain any excess oil to avoid sogginess in the pastry.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pastry trees.
  3. Roll Out Puff Pastry: Lay out the two sheets of puff pastry on a clean, lightly floured surface. Trim edges if needed to form neat rectangles or desired shapes.
  4. Apply Pesto: Spread a thin, even layer of pesto over one sheet of puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
  5. Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Distribute the shredded mozzarella (or chosen melty cheese) evenly over the pesto. Slice cherry tomatoes in halves or quarters and scatter them on top.
  6. Assemble Layers: Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the layered one, gently pressing down to seal the edges.
  7. Shape the Tree: Using a sharp knife, cut the assembled pastry into a Christmas tree shape. Then, make several horizontal cuts on each side of the tree, leaving the center intact to form branches.
  8. Twist Branches: Carefully twist each cut strip away from the center to create the tree’s layered branches.
  9. Brush with Butter: Lightly brush melted butter or vegan alternative over the pastry to promote golden browning.
  10. Bake: Place the tree on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 18 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve warm as a festive appetizer.

Notes

  • This appetizer is highly customizable with various fillings such as spinach and feta, sun-dried tomato and olive tapenade, or even sweet fillings like cinnamon sugar and chocolate spread.
  • For a vegan or gluten-free version, use suitable puff pastry alternatives and cheese substitutes.
  • Make sure to drain excess oil from pesto to keep the pastry crisp.
  • To make shaping easier, chill the puff pastry slightly after assembling before cutting and twisting.
  • Serve warm to enjoy the melty cheese and flaky pastry texture at its best.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 135 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 96 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 3 mg

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