This easy pesto christmas tree is a savoury pastry in the shape of a Christmas tree which will add extra fun to the festive season.
It is a really easy to make party centre piece, ideal when having friends around for festive drinks. Served with a simple champagne cocktail, or mulled wine and your party is sure to go with a swing.
I can not take credit for the idea of puff pastry in the shape of a Christmas tree. The first time I made it was one Christmas eve after I had spotted it somewhere on the net (on one of those mini videos on Facebook, if I remember correctly).
It was a fun idea and was as easy to make as it looked in the video (ie very easy). So I made it again so I could share the idea with you and have since made it many more times to share with friends.
Ingredients
It requires just
- 2 sheets of ready-rolled puff pastry
- Pesto
- A little beaten egg
- Parmesan cheese
Then it is just a case of cutting a basic Christmas tree shape and twisting the branches to give a pretty effect as illustrated below.
Ready-rolled pastry makes this super quick and easy to make which is ideal when you are short of time, as always seems to be the case around the festive period. If you can not get ready rolled, you can use a 450g (1lb) block of pastry instead. Cut in half and roll into two thin qual sized rectangles and proceed as per the recipe,
Step by Step Pesto Christmas tree
Step 1 Open out the sheet of puff pastry and spread the pesto evenly over the surface of the pastry to cover it completely.
Step 2 Cover with a second sheet of pastry. Cut out a simple Christmas tree shape. Then cut out a star from the trimmings
Step 3 Transfer to a baking sheet and cut out the branches. Brush with beaten egg. Place star on top and then sprinkle with some parmesan cheese.
Step 4 Starting at the bottom twist the branches in alternate directions. Then repeat on the other side. Bake until golden.
Top Tip
I used some of the trimmings to cut out a few stars which I sprinkled with some sesame seeds. Then remaining trimmings were just cut into bite sized pieces and baked so as not to be wasted. (Serve them as additional nibbles or eat them as cook's perks!)
A sweet variation
Make a sweet variation by spreading Nutella between the two pastry sheets. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with a little granulated or demerara sugar before twisting the branches.
What to serve with your pastry Christmas tree for a festive spread
If you are having a party you might also like to try Christmas Crostini, Red Pepper Crostini and Bean and Pancetta Crostini. They are easy to make and can be prepared ahead and assembled just before serving.
At festive parties, I like to serve mulled wine or mulled cider, alongside some festive non-alcoholic drinks.
And of course, some mince pies never go amiss.
For something a little different try lemon cranberry fizz - a simple champagne cocktail ( although I often make it with prosecco, if truth be told).
Lemon Cranberry Fizz – Place a tablespoon of limoncello into each of 6 champagne glasses along with a little ice and a few cranberries. Serve topped up with sparkling wine.
Pesto Christmas Tree
Ingredients
- 2x215 g sheets of ready rolled puff pastry
- 4– 6 tablespoons pesto
- a little beaten egg
- 25 g finely grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200℃ (180℃ fan)/400°F /gas mark 6.
- Place one sheet of the puff pastry on the work surface and spread 4–6 tablspoons of pesto evenly over the surface. Top with the second sheet of pastry.
- Cut out a simple Christmas tree shape and transfer to a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush the surface of the pastry with a little beaten egg to glaze.
- Cut the branches of the tree and sprinkle with 25g (1oz) parmesan cheese pressing gently onto the pastry.
- Twist the branches in alternate directions starting at the bottom and working up the tree.
- Bake for 15- 20 minutes or until the pastry is risen and golden. Allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a board and serve.
Edie C. says
Greetings from Canada Jacqui. I haven't made this recipe yet but it sounds perfect for an appy so I will be bringing it to my daughter's feast on Christmas Day. Thanks for sharing your recipes.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
You ate welcome Edie I'm sure your daughter will love it. Enjoy and let me know what she thinks
Monika Dabrowski says
Your pesto tree looks magnificent, Jacqui! This is a great party food idea. Quick and simple (and probably quite fun to make), so there'd be time for other dishes too:)
Jacqueline Bellefonatine says
Yes indeed quick, easy and fun.
Angela / Only Crumbs Remain says
This looks so good, and an absolute doddle to make. The pattern created by the pesto and the cheese is so pretty and very effective. pinning for later, 🙂
Angela x
Jacqueline Bellefonatine says
Thanks Angela it is a doddle to make. Go for it.
Eb Gargano / easypeasyfoodie.com says
What a gorgeous and delicious, yet very simple to make idea! Right up my street!! As is that super cocktail...Champagne AND Limoncello? Yes please!! Eb x
Jacqueline Bellefonatine says
It would be up your stree Eb You and I both like easy recipes that are delicious and this is both with a bit of fun thrown in:) x
Corina says
This looks fantastic Jacqui! I can't believe how easy it is. I'm quite tempted to make one myself now as we all love puff pastry and pesto here. Or Nutella if I decide to make a sweet one!
Jacqueline Bellefonatine says
Thanks Corina, Do give it a go it really is that easy and its fun!