The holiday season hits, and suddenly you need a “festive but easy” appetizer for tomorrow. The panic is real! I’ve been there so many times, staring into my fridge, wishing a platter of something impressive would appear. That’s exactly how I landed on this Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer.
Now, you might have seen the giant, single pull-apart tree, which is also a great Christmas Party Food Idea. I love that version, but I wanted something even easier. Something guests could grab with one hand while holding a drink in the other, with no messy tearing.
These are individual, adorable, skewer-held trees. They use just 5 main ingredients (hello, store-bought puff pastry and pesto!) and come together in about 15 minutes of prep. It’s the perfect, low-stress Festive Holiday Appetizer that looks like you spent hours on it. You’ve totally got this.
Table of Contents
This 5-Ingredient Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer
Ingredients
- 2 sheets of puff pastry all-butter variety recommended
- 1/2 cup basil pesto homemade or high-quality store-bought
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg whisked (for egg wash)
- Wooden skewers
Optional Finishing Touch:
- 1 tablespoon hot honey sauce
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Roll out one sheet of puff pastry. Spread the basil pesto evenly to the edges. Sprinkle generously with the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan.
- Layer and Slice: Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top and press down firmly to seal. (Optional: Leave a 2-inch strip at one end uncut to cut out small stars with a cookie cutter). Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the layered pastry into 1-inch wide strips along the long side.
- Fold into Trees: Pick up one strip and fold it back-and-forth like an accordion, making each fold slightly shorter than the last to create a triangle (tree) shape. Gently pierce the folded tree with a wooden skewer from top to bottom. Place on the prepared baking tray. Top with a pastry star if you made them.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Brush each assembled tree generously with the whisked egg wash. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the trees are deeply golden brown, puffed up, and crispy.
- Finish & Serve: Remove from the oven. If using, immediately drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love This Easy Christmas Appetizer
Okay, before we get to the how-to, let’s talk about why this Pesto Christmas Tree Recipe is my new holiday go-to. It just checks all the boxes for holiday entertaining.
- Seriously Fast: You can whip this up in 15 minutes or less! The oven does all the heavy lifting, baking them to golden perfection while you finish getting ready.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need 5 core items. It’s the definition of a pantry-raid win, relying on high-impact store-bought shortcuts.
- So Festive: They are literally Christmas trees. The shape alone, with that little star on top, brings so much joy and visual flair to an appetizer platter.
- Perfectly Portioned: This is my favorite part. No cutting, no messy tearing, no wondering if you’re taking too big of a piece. They are the ideal Holiday Pull-Apart Bread alternative. Grab a skewer and go.
Ingredients for Your Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer
The ingredient list is remarkably concise and practical. The magic here is in the assembly, not a complex shopping list.
- 2 sheets of puff pastry (I recommend an all-butter variety if you can find it; the flavor is just richer)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (A high-quality store-bought one is my secret weapon here. Of course, homemade is fantastic if you have it!)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, whisked (this is for the egg wash that gives that glossy, professional finish)
- Wooden skewers (about 6-8 inches)
For the Finishing Touch (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon hot honey sauce
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
How to Make a Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get rolling. This process is genuinely fun and a great way to get kids involved. I’ll walk you through it.
Step 1: Prep and Layer
First things first, get your oven preheating to 360°F (180°C) and line a large baking tray (or two) with parchment paper. This parchment is non-negotiable for cleanup!
Roll out one sheet of puff pastry on a clean, flat surface. Now, spread that basil pesto all over, getting right to the edges for maximum flavor. Don’t be shy; this is where all that zippy, herbaceous flavor comes from. Sprinkle all the mozzarella and parmesan evenly on top. This is our Puff Pastry with Pesto and Cheese magic layer.
Place the second sheet of pastry directly on top, as if tucking it in. Press it down firmly with your hands. I even like to use a rolling pin very gently to seal it all together.
Step 2: Slice and Shape the Trees
This is the ‘how-to’ part that may look tricky, but it isn’t. I promise!
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter (my preference for speed!), slice the pastry rectangle into 1-inch (2.5 cm) wide strips. You’ll make these cuts along the long side of the rectangle, resulting in a number of shorter strips.
Here’s a tip: Leave a 2-inch strip at one end of the pastry uncut. You can use a mini star cookie cutter on this part to make the little stars for the top of your trees!
Now, take one strip. You’re going to fold it back and forth on itself, like an accordion or a ribbon, making each fold slightly shorter than the last. This creates that classic triangle ‘tree’ shape naturally. It’s that simple!
Carefully pierce the folded tree with a wooden skewer, starting from the top ‘point’ and going down to the broader ‘trunk’. Slide one of those little pastry stars on top. How cute is that? Place it on your prepared baking tray and repeat with all the remaining strips.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Almost there! Brush each little Savory Puff Pastry Christmas Tree generously with your whisked egg wash. This is the secret to getting that deep, golden, professional-looking sheen.
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for them to be puffed up, deeply golden brown, and absolutely irresistible. The pastry should be flaky, and the cheese will be bubbling… It’s a glorious sight.
Pull them out and, while they’re piping hot, give them a drizzle of hot honey and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re using them. That sweet-spicy kick against the savory, cheesy pesto is just fantastic. Serve them warm!
My Top Tips & Variations (Your Pesto Christmas Tree Recipe Guide)
After making these a few times for parties, I’ve learned a thing or two. Here are my top tips for making this Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer completely foolproof.
The Golden Rule: Keep Your Pastry COLD
This is the most important tip for working with any puff pastry. It gets its ‘puff’ from the layers of cold butter melting in the hot oven and creating steam. If that butter melts before it bakes (i.e., in your warm kitchen), you get a soggy, flat, sad mess.
Work quickly, and if your kitchen is warm or the pastry feels limp and sticky, pop the whole tray (with the unbaked trees) into the freezer for 10-15 minutes before baking. This re-chills the butter, guaranteeing a crispy, flaky result every time. It’s a magic trick.
Filling Variations (What Kind of Filling Should I Use?)
Basil pesto is classic, but don’t let that stop you! This recipe is incredibly adaptable.
- Pesto Swap: Try a sun-dried tomato pesto (which gives them a beautiful red-and-green holiday vibe!) or a nutty arugula-walnut pesto.
- Cheese Swap: Any good melting cheese works. Provolone, fontina, or even a spicy pepper jack would be great in this Mozzarella Christmas Tree Appetizer.
- Add-Ins: A tiny sprinkle of crispy, crumbled bacon or finely chopped prosciutto before you add the top pastry layer? Absolutely.
- Sweet Version: You could even make a dessert version with Nutella and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or jam and cream cheese!
Make-Ahead Tip (Can I prepare it in advance?)
Yes, and you totally should! This is one of my favorite make-ahead Christmas Party Food Ideas. You can assemble the trees completely (on their skewers, on the baking tray), cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to hours.
Do not egg wash them until just before baking. When guests arrive, brush with the egg wash and bake. They serve hot, fresh-from-the-oven appetizers, and you can actually enjoy your own party. A proper holiday win-win.
What to Serve With Your Cheesy Pesto Christmas Tree
Honestly, these little trees are fantastic all on their own. That optional hot honey drizzle is everything. However, if you’re building a larger appetizer spread, they play so well with others.
- A Simple Dip: A side of warm marinara sauce for dipping is a classic crowd-pleaser, leaning into those pesto-pizza-adjacent flavors. A creamy garlic aioli or even a zippy, herby ranch also works wonders.
- The Holiday Board: Arrange these trees on a large platter, standing up in a small block of cheese (like a forest!) or lying flat. Surround them with colorful cherry tomatoes, olives, marinated artichoke hearts, and maybe some salami. It’s like a cheese board, but with a hot, savory centerpiece.
- A Bubbly Drink: These are savory, cheesy, and rich. They are practically begging for a glass of crisp prosecco or a bright, sparkling cranberry mocktail to cut through the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the best way to cut and shape the tree?
A pizza cutter is definitely your best friend for cutting straight, even 1-inch strips. For shaping, the key is the ‘accordion fold.’ Start with a wider fold at the bottom (the trunk) and make each subsequent fold slightly shorter as you go up, so it naturally forms a triangle shape. The skewer is what holds it all together!
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Two main things: First, don’t overdo it with the pesto. A good, even layer is all you need. Too much moisture = soggy pastry. Second, and most importantly, keep your pastry cold. If it gets warm while you’re working, a 10-minute chill in the freezer before baking is the magic trick.
Can I make this Pesto Christmas Tree ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of its best features. You can assemble them completely (on their skewers, on the baking tray), cover them tightly, and chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just wait to add the egg wash until right before you slide them into the oven.
You Have to Try This Festive Appetizer!
This Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer has become one of my absolute holiday staples. It delivers that perfect combination of impressive looks and minimal effort, which is precisely what this time of year demands. That moment when you pull these golden, cheesy, puffed-up bites from the oven is just so satisfying.
I really hope you’ll give them a try for your next gathering! If you do, please let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear what variations you come up with!
