Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·4 from 40 reviews

If you are looking for a festive appetizer that is as delightful to eat as it is to look at, this Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe is an absolute must-try. These charming, flaky trees combine buttery puff pastry layered with fragrant pesto and melty provolone cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will impress everyone at your holiday gathering. Easy to assemble but guaranteed to wow, this recipe turns simple ingredients into an eye-catching treat that you’ll be excited to serve and savor throughout the season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating the magic behind this dish. Each plays a unique role in delivering that perfect blend of crispness, creaminess, and vibrant flavor that makes these Christmas trees special.

2 puff pastry sheets: The flaky, buttery base that puffs up beautifully to resemble trimmed Christmas trees.
¼ cup prepared pesto sauce: Adds a fresh, herbaceous punch that infuses every bite with bright, garlicky goodness.
6 ounces provolone cheese slices: Melts smoothly between the pastry layers, providing a mild, creamy richness.
1 large egg: Used for the egg wash to give the pastry a gorgeous golden finish.
1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream: Combined with the egg to make the wash silky and help with even browning.
3 tablespoons salted butter: Brushed over after baking for extra shine and buttery flavor.
¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky warmth when mixed with the butter.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Cheese stars (optional): Festive little toppings that add charm and a cheesy pop on top of each tree.

How to Make Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This preparation ensures your trees bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for perfect golden pastry.

Step 2: Thaw and Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Give your puff pastry sheets time to rest depending on whether they’re refrigerated or frozen so they become pliable but still cold enough to handle easily. Lightly dust your cutting board with flour and carefully roll each sheet into a 10- x 12-inch rectangle to maximize the surface area for layering the pesto and cheese.

Step 3: Layer with Pesto and Cheese

Brush a generous, even layer of pesto over the entire surface of one rolled-out pastry sheet—this herbaceous spread is the heart of the recipe. Next, layer on the provolone slices smoothly, then carefully place the second pastry sheet on top to form a cheesy, flavorful sandwich.

Step 4: Cut and Fold into Tree Shapes

Using a sharp knife, slice the layered pastry stack along the 12-inch side into twelve 1-inch-wide strips. Hold each strip vertically, placing the bottom few inches flat against the work surface, then fold the strip back and forth in a loose zig-zag pattern, slightly tapering the folds to create that classic Christmas tree silhouette. Secure each finished tree with a skewer inserted vertically through the middle, which helps preserve the shape while baking.

Step 5: Arrange and Brush with Egg Wash

Place the skewered trees evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets—six on each. Whisk together your egg and heavy cream until smooth, then brush this glossy wash all over the tops and sides of the trees for that irresistibly golden and shiny crust after baking.

Step 6: Bake and Finish with Butter and Toppings

Bake the trees for 20 to 22 minutes until they’re puffed up and golden brown. While they bake, melt the butter and mix in garlic powder and salt. Once out of the oven, brush the warm trees with this garlic butter for added flavor and sheen, and add a little extra pesto if you like. If you have cheese stars on hand, place those on top while the trees are still warm to create those adorable festive finishing touches.

How to Serve Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing these trees adds visual pop and extra flavor dimension. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or finish with a light dusting of flaky sea salt to enhance the buttery, cheesy layers. Tiny cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds can mimic ornaments, making these edible decorations truly shine on your holiday table.

Side Dishes

Pair your pesto puff pastry Christmas trees with a crisp, refreshing salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A bowl of warm tomato soup also makes a comforting side, echoing the tomato notes in pesto and adding to the cozy holiday vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Display your trees on a wooden cutting board or tiered serving platter to create height and drama. Surround them with fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs or pinecones for a natural, festive touch. You might even stand them upright in a narrow vase lined with damp cloth to showcase their shape before guests start digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover pesto puff pastry Christmas trees in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days for best texture. Refrigeration can make the pastry less crisp but is fine for extending shelf life if necessary.

Freezing

You can freeze these trees before baking by arranging the shaped strips on a lined baking sheet and freezing until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To bring back their fresh-baked crispness, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will cause the pastry to become soggy and lose its delightful flakiness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

Yes! While provolone melts beautifully and pairs nicely with pesto, you can experiment with mozzarella for a creamier texture or Swiss for a nuttier flavor. Just be mindful of melting qualities to keep the layers intact.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Definitely. Use vegan puff pastry, dairy-free pesto (or homemade nut and herb blend), and replace provolone with your favorite vegan cheese slices. For the egg wash, brush with plant-based milk mixed with a little oil for a golden finish.

How long can I prepare this recipe before serving?

You can assemble the trees a few hours ahead of time and keep them refrigerated on the baking sheets, covered tightly with plastic wrap. Bake just before serving to ensure maximum puff and crispness.

What if I don’t have skewers? Can I still make the trees?

Skewers help maintain the shape while baking, but if you don’t have them, you can carefully bake the folded strips on the parchment sheet and gently reshape as they come out of the oven. Just expect a slightly less defined tree silhouette.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

This recipe scales well, so feel free to adjust quantities based on your guest list. Just make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheets so each tree has room to puff and brown evenly.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly joyful about making and sharing the Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe. The combination of buttery layers, sticky melted cheese, and fresh pesto wrapped up in a perfectly formed tree shape is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want a festive snack to brighten your winter evenings, these charming pastries are bound to become a beloved tradition. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a stunning and delicious centerpiece for your seasonal celebrations.