Description
This Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer is a festive, pull-apart breadstick treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of flaky puff pastry are spread with savory pesto or any favorite spread, cut into a tree shape, twisted for a beautiful presentation, and baked until golden and crispy. It’s easy to make, visually impressive, and delicious, ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry and Spread
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 3-4 Tablespoons pesto or savory spread of your choice
Egg Wash and Decoration
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- Sesame seeds, for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a Silpat mat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Base Layer: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet and evenly spread 3-4 tablespoons of pesto or your chosen savory spread over the entire surface.
- Add Second Layer: Unfold the second sheet of puff pastry and place it carefully on top of the first sheet with the spread. Press gently to seal the two sheets together, ensuring they stick without gaps.
- Shape the Tree: Use a knife to cut the puff pastry into the shape of a Christmas tree. Keep any leftover pastry pieces for additional small treats.
- Cut and Twist Strips: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut slits on both sides of the tree shape about 0.5 inches (1.5 cm) apart, leaving the center line intact. Twist each strip two to three times, then press the ends down onto the baking sheet to maintain their position. Repeat this with the leftover pastry on a separate baking tray.
- Apply Egg Wash and Decorate: Mix the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash. Brush it generously over the entire pastry surface and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired for an added decorative touch.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the baking sheet(s) in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Christmas tree pastry to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm as a pull-apart appetizer that’s perfect for holiday parties!
Notes
- This appetizer is versatile—feel free to experiment with different savory spreads like tapenade, herb cream cheese, or sun-dried tomato paste to suit your taste.
- Using a pizza cutter for the strips ensures even and clean cuts which make the twisting easier.
- The egg wash helps achieve a beautiful glossy golden crust; omit it if you want a vegan option.
- Leftover pastry scraps can be formed into small twists or bite-sized appetizers to maximize ingredients.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience as the pastry is flaky and crisp fresh from the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1/9 of the tree)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
