Starters & appetizers
Pesto and cheese puff pastry Christmas tree
Two sheets of puff pastry enclose basil pesto, mozzarella and Parmesan. Twist the side strips into branches for a warm Christmas centrepiece to share.
- Total time
- 70 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cuisine
- International
Ingredients
Method
Prepare the pastry
Heat the oven to 200 °C, conventional heat. Put one sheet of pastry, about 25 × 35 cm, on baking parchment on a tray.
Spread the filling
Spread over 80 g pesto, leaving a 1 cm border. Scatter over 100 g mozzarella and 25 g Parmesan.
Cover and chill
Lay the second sheet on top and press gently. Refrigerate for 15 minutes so the pastry is cold for cutting.
Cut the tree
Cut a tall triangle with a small trunk at the bottom. Keep all the offcuts to bake alongside, using another tray if needed.
Cut the branches
Make horizontal cuts every 2 cm on both sides, leaving an uncut centre spine about 3 cm wide. Do not cut the trunk.
Twist and brush
Twist each side strip once or twice without detaching it. Brush the tree and the offcuts with beaten egg.
Bake until golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes until risen, golden and cooked underneath. Smaller offcuts may be ready earlier; remove them when golden.
Serve to share
Rest for 5 minutes, then move the tree onto a board. Serve warm with all the baked offcuts, divided between eight people.
The step photos are illustrative.
Notes
Nutrition facts
1/8 of the tree and baked offcuts
- Protein
- 8.7 g
- Carbohydrates
- 24.3 g
- Fat
- 21.1 g
- Saturated fat
- 8.8 g
- Fiber
- 1.5 g
- Sugars
- 1 g
- Sodium
- 452 mg
Recipe-based estimate; brands, actual portions and cooking losses affect the values. Not a laboratory analysis.
Reference source: USDA FoodData Central SR Legacy + manufacturer reference labels
For general information only; it does not replace advice from a qualified health or nutrition professional.
About this recipe
Two sheets of puff pastry enclose basil pesto, mozzarella and Parmesan. Twist the side strips into branches for a warm Christmas centrepiece to share.
Frequently asked questions
Can I shape it ahead?
Yes. Cover the unbaked tree and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Brush with egg and bake before serving.
Why chill before cutting?
Cold pastry holds its layers and is easier to twist without distorting the branches.
What happens to the offcuts?
Bake them as snacks. The yield and nutrition count all the pastry and filling, with nothing discarded.
