Description
A festive Christmas-tree-shaped appetizer made from puff pastry filled with fragrant basil pesto and gooey melted cheese, twisted into delicious pull-apart branches.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: cherry tomatoes or fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place one sheet of puff pastry on the baking sheet.
- Spread basil pesto evenly across the pastry and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Place the second puff pastry sheet on top and gently press to seal.
- Using a sharp knife, cut out a large triangle (tree shape), removing excess pastry from the sides.
- Cut horizontal strips along both sides of the triangle to create branches, leaving the center intact.
- Twist each branch gently 1–2 times to form the tree shape.
- Brush the entire pastry with beaten egg.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- Let cool slightly, garnish if desired, and serve warm as a pull-apart appetizer.
Notes
- Use homemade or store-bought pesto—both work well.
- Try sun-dried tomato pesto for a red-and-green holiday variation.
- Serve with marinara, garlic dip, or extra pesto for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian