Pesto Stuffed Christmas Tree
Add a festive touch to your holiday table with this eye-catching Pesto Stuffed Christmas Tree, a show-stopping appetizer that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Crafted from layers of buttery puff pastry generously spread with vibrant basil pesto and sprinkled with nutty Parmesan cheese, this edible centerpiece is twisted into tree-like branches for a fun and interactive pull-apart experience. The golden, flaky pastry is brushed with an egg wash for a glossy finish and adorned with sesame or poppy seeds for a festive flair. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy yet elegant recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings and sure to impress your guests with its combination of flavors and whimsical presentation. Whether displayed as a centerpiece or served on a platter, this appetizer is destined to become a new Christmas tradition!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 sheets Puff pastry sheets
- 0.5 cups Basil pesto
- 0.25 cups Grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tablespoon Water
- 1 teaspoon Poppy seeds or sesame seeds
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry into a large rectangle about 1/8 inch thick and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Spread the basil pesto evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pesto layer.
Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry to the same size and carefully place it over the pesto-covered one, pressing gently to seal the edges.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry layers into the shape of a Christmas tree (a large triangle with a rectangular trunk at the bottom). Remove the excess pastry and save it for other uses.
Cut horizontal strips on both sides of the triangle, leaving the center intact to form the ‘tree trunk.’ Twist each strip a few times to create the tree branches.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the entire tree for a golden, shiny finish.
Sprinkle the top with poppy seeds or sesame seeds for added texture and decoration.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Gently transfer the tree to a serving platter and let your guests pull apart the branches to enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1306 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 103.3 g | 132% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.9 g | 130% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 268 mg | 89% | |
| Sodium | 1666 mg | 72% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 63.6 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.6 g | ||
| Protein | 35.6 g | 71% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 737 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 5.8 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 768 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
