Why This Simple Tree is So Special
- It looks incredibly impressive, but honestly, it's one of the easiest holiday appetizers you can make.
- The pull-apart branches are just so fun. It invites everyone to gather 'round and share.
- That scent of baking pastry and warm pesto is pure nostalgia and comfort.
- It's a beautiful centerpiece that you can actually eat. Form and function!
"Wow, this is our new favorite Christmas Eve tradition. My kids had so much fun helping twist the little branches, and it disappeared from the table in about five minutes!"
Guide des ingrédients essentiels
- Puff Pastry: Look for an all-butter puff pastry. The flavor is so much richer and the texture is lighter and flakier. It really makes a difference in something so simple.
- Pesto: Since it's a star ingredient, use a pesto you really love the taste of. A fresh, good-quality store-bought one works beautifully, or you can use homemade if you have it.
Processus de cuisson complet
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The Art of the Twist:
- The whole joy of this recipe is in the making. When you lay out the pastry, think of it as a blank canvas. Spreading the pesto, sprinkling the cheese, and especially twisting the branches—it’s a simple, repetitive motion that is so calming. Don't stress if a branch untwists a bit or some cheese oozes out. Oops! That’s just part of its rustic charm. The final result will be beautiful because you made it.
Your Questions, Answered
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the tree completely (up to the egg wash step), cover it well with plastic wrap, and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 hours. When you're ready, just brush with the egg wash and bake. It’s a great way to get ahead of party prep.
→ What can I serve it with for dipping?
It's wonderful on its own, but a small bowl of warm marinara sauce or a creamy garlic aioli for dipping is a lovely touch.
→ Could I try other fillings?
Absolutely! This is such a great template. A tapenade with feta, a sun-dried tomato pesto, or even a sweet version with a chocolate-hazelnut spread and a dusting of powdered sugar would be amazing.
Conseils du chef
Be gentle when twisting the branches so they don't tear.,Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your tree. It's done when it's a deep, beautiful golden brown all over.
Pesto & Mozzarella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree (Sapin Feuilleté)
Create a stunning holiday centerpiece with this Pesto & Mozzarella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree. Flaky, all-butter puff pastry is layered with vibrant basil pesto and gooey mozzarella cheese, then twisted into a beautiful, shareable tree. It's an incredibly easy yet impressive appetizer that will fill your home with the warm, comforting scent of baking and is perfect for any festive gathering.
Temps
Temps de préparation
15 minutes
Temps de cuisson
15-20 minutes
Temps total
About 35 minutes
Détails de la recette
Ingrédients
For the Pastry Tree
- 01 2 sheets (about 1 box) of all-butter puff pastry, thawed
- 02 1/2 cup good-quality basil pesto
- 03 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 04 1 large egg, lightly beaten with a splash of water
- 05 Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
First, a little prep. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will be your canvas.
Unroll one sheet of puff pastry onto the parchment paper. It's okay if it's not perfectly rectangular; we're going for rustic charm here.
Using a spatula, spread the pesto evenly over the pastry, leaving a tiny border around the edges. Then, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese all over the pesto.
Gently place the second sheet of puff pastry directly on top, lining it up as best you can. Lightly press it down.
Now for the fun part. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut out a large triangle shape for the tree. Then, cut off a small rectangle from the bottom scraps to use as the tree trunk.
Leaving a central 'trunk' about an inch wide down the middle of the triangle, cut horizontal strips on both sides, about 1-inch wide, to create the branches.
Gently twist each strip, one by one. It feels a bit like a craft project. Don't worry about perfection; some tight twists and some loose ones look beautiful.
If you like, you can use a small star-shaped cookie cutter on the pastry scraps to create a star for the top of your tree. Place the trunk at the bottom.
Brush the entire tree with the beaten egg wash. This is what will give it that gorgeous, deep golden color. Sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt if you're using it.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up, golden brown, and the cheese is beautifully melted. The smell will be incredible.
Let it cool for just a few minutes on the pan before carefully sliding it onto a serving board. It's best enjoyed warm, when it’s all flaky and gooey.
Notes et conseils
- 1 Be gentle when twisting the branches so they don't tear.
- 2 Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your tree. It's done when it's a deep, beautiful golden brown all over.
Ustensiles nécessaires
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Large baking sheet
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Parchment paper
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Pizza cutter or sharp knife
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Offset spatula or spoon
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Pastry brush
✨ Conseils essentiels
- 💡 A pizza cutter is your best friend here. It makes cutting the tree shape and the branches so clean and easy.
- 💡 Make sure your puff pastry is cold when you work with it. If it gets too warm, it can become sticky and hard to handle. If needed, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.
⭐ Secrets de chef
- 🌟 For an extra layer of flavor, you can grate a little Parmesan cheese over the pesto along with the mozzarella.
- 🌟 Don't throw away the pastry scraps! I like to brush them with egg wash, sprinkle with some cheese or cinnamon sugar, and bake them alongside the tree for a little cook's treat.
Recette de
Claire FontanelClaire est passionnée par les repas express depuis plus de 10 ans. Elle crée des recettes simples mais gourmandes, parfaites pour les emplois du temps...
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