Pin this Celebrate the holiday season with this delightful Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer. Its flaky, golden layers encase a savory filling of herbed cream cheese and basil pesto, making it not only delicious but also a festive centerpiece for any gathering. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, this appetizer is sure to impress guests and bring cheer to your holiday table.
Pin this This puff pastry creation beautifully combines buttery crispness with creamy, flavorful filling. Its twisted branches add a charming decorative touch that’s fun to prepare and share.
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry
2 sheets (about 250 g each) puff pastry, thawed if frozen - Filling
120 g cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp basil pesto
1 garlic clove, minced
30 g grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste - Topping
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Prepare the filling
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, pesto, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 3. Assemble the base
- Unroll one puff pastry sheet on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a 1 cm border.
- 4. Add second pastry layer
- Place the second puff pastry sheet on top, pressing gently to seal.
- 5. Cut the tree shape
- Using a sharp knife, cut the shape of a large Christmas tree (triangle with a trunk) through both layers. Remove excess pastry and save for decorations.
- 6. Create branches
- Starting from the bottom of the tree, cut horizontal strips (about 2 cm wide) on both sides, leaving the center intact as the trunk.
- 7. Twist the branches
- Twist each strip away from the center 2–3 times to form branches.
- 8. Add decorations
- Use leftover pastry to cut out stars or ornaments and place them on the tree.
- 9. Egg wash and seeds
- Brush the entire tree with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and poppy seeds.
- 10. Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- 11. Cool and serve
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Die Zubereitung dieses Blätterteig-Baums ist besonders einfach, wenn alle Zutaten gut vorbereitet sind. Achten Sie darauf, die Blätterteigplatten vor der Verarbeitung vollständig aufzutauen, um Risse zu vermeiden. Das Drehen der Äste sollte gleichmäßig und behutsam erfolgen, damit der Baum seine Form behält. Verwenden Sie einen scharfen Messer für saubere Schnitte.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Probieren Sie für eine Variante anstelle von Basilikumpesto auch sonnengetrocknetes Tomatenpesto oder eine Oliventapenade als Füllung. Für eine fleischhaltige Variante können Sie kleine Prosciutto-Stücke zwischen die Schichten legen. Die Dekorationen aus dem Restteig können je nach Anlass angepasst werden.
Serviervorschläge
Servieren Sie den Puff Pastry Christmas Tree lauwarm oder bei Zimmertemperatur, idealerweise begleitet von einem prickelnden Weißwein oder einem festlichen Cocktail. Er eignet sich hervorragend als Appetizer bei Weihnachtsfeiern und bringt festliche Stimmung auf jeden Tisch.
Pin this With its impressive appearance and deliciously creamy filling, the Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a celebration staple. Enjoy the compliments as you bring this centerpiece to your next holiday gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you shape the pastry into a Christmas tree?
Cut two puff pastry sheets layered together into a large triangle with a trunk base. Then cut horizontal strips on both sides of the triangle and twist them away from the center to form branches.
- → Can I prepare the tree in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the tree and refrigerate it before baking. Brush with egg wash and add seeds just before baking for best results.
- → What variations can enhance the filling?
Try swapping basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto or tapenade. Adding prosciutto slices inside the filling offers a savory, non-vegetarian option.
- → What is the best way to serve this pastry?
Serve warm or at room temperature as an appetizer alongside sparkling white wine or festive cocktails to highlight its savory notes.
- → How do the sesame and poppy seeds affect the flavor?
They add a subtle nutty crunch and visually enhance the pastry’s golden surface, complementing the rich filling flavors.