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Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

A delightful festive centerpiece made with flaky puff pastry, basil pesto, and gooey mozzarella, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Puff Pastry Base
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed Ensure it's well-thawed for even baking.
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto Feel free to substitute with sun-dried tomato pesto for variation.
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded Experiment with different cheeses like fontina or cheddar.
  • 1 large egg, beaten For brushing the top before baking.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll out the puff pastry sheet onto a parchment-lined baking tray.
  3. Spread the basil pesto evenly over one sheet of puff pastry.
  4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pesto layer.
  5. Top with the second sheet of puff pastry, pressing lightly to seal the edges.
  6. Cut the pastry into a Christmas tree shape and make slits to form the branches.
  7. Twist the branches gently to create a beautiful tree effect.
  8. Brush the top with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Baking
  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
  2. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness. You can prepare a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake, adding extra baking time if chilled.