Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees – Festive & Bite-Sized Appetizers

Bring a little holiday magic to your appetizer table with these Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees! Flaky, buttery puff pastry layered with vibrant red and green pesto makes these bite-sized treats as festive as they are delicious. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a fun holiday snack, they are sure to wow your guests.

🎄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy: Ready in just 25 minutes.
• Visually festive: Red and green layers make a colorful centerpiece.
• Bite-sized: Perfect for party platters or finger foods.
• Customizable: Use your favorite pesto variations, herbs, or cheese.

🧾 Ingredients

Puff Pastry Trees:

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Egg Wash:

• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons water

Red Pesto:

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 sprigs fresh oregano
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

Green Pesto:

• 3 cloves garlic
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup fresh parsley
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

Equipment:

• Measuring cups & spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Food processor or blender
• Sharp knife & cutting board
• Pastry brush
• Wooden skewers
• Baking sheet

⏱️ Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
  Servings: 16 trees
  Calories: 296 kcal per serving

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare Ingredients

• Thaw puff pastry sheets.
• Soak wooden skewers in water while preparing the pastry.

2️⃣ Make the Pestos

Red Pesto: Blend all red pesto ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Transfer to a bowl.
Green Pesto: Rinse the food processor, then blend all green pesto ingredients until smooth. Transfer to a separate bowl.

3️⃣ Prepare Puff Pastry Strips

• Slice each sheet into 8 equal strips (~1-inch wide).
• Brush each strip with egg wash, egg-wash side down, on a flat surface.
• Spread a thin, even layer of pesto, alternating red and green, on each strip. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.

4️⃣ Shape the Trees

• Fold each puff pastry strip accordion-style, starting wide at the bottom and tapering toward the top, forming a triangle shape.
• Carefully pierce a wooden skewer down the center to hold the layers together.

5️⃣ Bake

• Place the prepared puff pastry trees on a baking sheet.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) on the center rack for 15 minutes, until golden and puffed.
• Allow to cool for 3–5 minutes before serving.

💡 Pro Tips

• Keep it cold: Chilled pastry folds cleaner and puffs higher.
• Thin but even: Spread pesto in a thin layer to allow the pastry to rise.
• Seal edges: Leave a small border so seams stay closed under the egg wash.
• Space the trees: Give room on the tray for airflow and height.
• Skewer smart: Twist as you insert to avoid tearing the layers.

🧮 Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories	296 kcal
Carbohydrates	16g
Protein	5g
Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	5g
Polyunsaturated Fat	4g
Monounsaturated Fat	14g
Trans Fat	0.002g
Cholesterol	23mg
Sodium	151mg
Potassium	119mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	0.4g
Vitamin A	283 IU
Vitamin C	6 mg
Calcium	56 mg
Iron	1 mg

🎉 Final Thoughts

These Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are a show-stopping appetizer that’s both festive and flavorful. The combination of flaky pastry, vibrant pesto, and a crisp, golden finish makes them a perfect holiday finger food.

Serve them at your next holiday gathering and watch your guests smile at these edible works of art!

Print