Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff

This Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a festive appetizer that brings joy and flavor to any holiday gathering. Crisp, cheesy, and fragrant with fresh basil pesto, it transforms simple puff pastry into an eye-catching centerpiece everyone will want to sample. The preparation is straightforward and encourages a bit of creativity with shaping and twisting, making it fun to assemble and share.

I first made this during a family holiday party, and it instantly became a tradition. The kids loved helping to twist the branches while the adults enjoyed the delicious aroma filling the house.

Gather Your Ingredients

• One sheet puff pastry thawed: choose good quality frozen puff pastry for the flakiest, lightest results
• Quarter cup basil pesto: opt for fresh or a high-quality store-bought variety for vibrant flavor
• One cup shredded mozzarella cheese: fresh mozzarella that shreds easily melts beautifully
• One beaten egg: this creates a golden, shiny finish on the pastry

How to Make It

Searing the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Ensuring the oven reaches the right temperature is key for puff pastry to rise properly.

Rolling out the Pastry:

Lay your puff pastry sheet onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Roll it out slightly to make an even layer and provide space for spreading the pesto.

Applying the Pesto:

Evenly spread the basil pesto over the entire surface of the puff pastry. This layer is what infuses the pastry with that lovely herby flavor.

Adding the Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top of the pesto layer. Distribute it to cover but avoid piling too thickly so the pastry can puff and crisp nicely.

Sealing the Layers:

Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the cheese and press down lightly. This helps seal everything together but avoid pressing hard as you want layers to puff up.

Creating the Tree Shape:

Cut the pastry into a large Christmas tree shape using a sharp knife. Then make vertical slits on both sides to form branches, being careful not to cut through the base.

Twisting the Branches:

Gently twist each branch section outward. This step creates the tree effect and helps the layers separate and bake into a crisp texture.

Brushing with Egg:

Brush the entire top of the shaped pastry with the beaten egg. This gives a beautiful golden shine once baked.

Baking:

Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is golden and puffed up. Keep an eye on the color to prevent burning.

Cooling Before Serving:

Let the tree cool for a few minutes so the cheese sets slightly. This makes it easier to serve and enjoy without losing the cheesy filling.

The standout ingredient here is the pesto. I love how its vibrant green color and fresh basil aroma turn a simple pastry into something festive. One holiday we assembled this with my kids and the twists became little moments of laughter and fun that I still remember vividly.

Flavor Boosters

Try swapping mozzarella for a mix of cheddar and Parmesan for a sharper flavor. If basil pesto is not available, a tapenade or sun-dried tomato spread works well too. You can also use a store-bought garlic herb spread as a quick alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a side of marinara or additional pesto for dipping. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a simple bowl of soup for a light holiday meal. Individual slices on a festive platter make for a perfect party finger food.

Creative Twists

In summer, swap pesto for a sun-dried tomato spread or roasted vegetable tapenade. During autumn, consider adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon to the cheese mix for a subtle seasonal twist. For a winter twist, mixing in chopped walnuts or cranberries into the filling adds a festive flair.

This festive treat is sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Enjoy the process and the delicious results with your loved ones.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cheese works best for this dish?

Shredded mozzarella is ideal for its melting qualities and mild flavor, complementing the basil pesto without overpowering it.

→ Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade basil pesto enhances freshness and flavor depth, making the dish even more vibrant and aromatic.

→ How do I shape the pastry into a Christmas tree?

Cut the puff pastry into a tree shape and make slits along the edges which can be twisted outward to form branches for a festive appearance.

→ Is it necessary to brush the pastry with egg wash?

Brushing with beaten egg gives the pastry a glossy, golden finish and helps it bake evenly with a beautiful color.

→ Can I prepare this appetizer in advance?

Yes, assemble the pastry and refrigerate it before baking to save time, then bake fresh when ready to serve.