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Christmas Tree Pesto Puff Pastry

Christmas tree pesto puff pastry is a festive appetizer made by layering basil pesto and Parmesan between flaky puff pastry sheets. Cut the pastry into a tree, twist the branches, and bake until puffed and deeply golden brown.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
resting 5 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 335
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the tree
  • 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets 2 sheets, thawed according to package directions
  • 0.5 cup basil pesto
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
For the egg wash
  • 1 egg large
  • 1 tbsp water

Equipment

  • 1 rimmed baking sheet

Method
 

Assemble the tree
  1. Heat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Place one thawed pastry sheet on the baking sheet.
  4. Spread the pesto evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
  5. Sprinkle with the Parmesan.
  6. Place the second pastry sheet on top.
  7. Press the edges together.
  8. Cut the stacked pastry into a tree shape with a pointed top, sloping sides, and a short centered trunk.
  9. Cut branches about 1 inch apart from each side toward the center, leaving a 1-inch-wide strip uncut down the middle.
  10. Twist each branch once or twice.
Make the egg wash and bake
  1. Whisk the egg and water together in a small bowl.
  2. Brush the egg wash evenly over the pastry.
  3. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until puffed and deeply golden brown.
  4. Let the pastry rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For neat branches, make clean cuts and twist each strip gently. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freezer storage is suitable. For a dairy-free variation, use dairy-free pesto and a dairy-free Parmesan-style alternative.