Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is one of the most eye-catching yet effortless holiday appetisers you can make. With just a few ingredients, you can create a stunning tree-shaped pull-apart pastry that’s golden, flaky, cheesy, and infused with the bright, aromatic flavour of basil pesto. It’s a guaranteed hit at Christmas gatherings because it feels both whimsical and elegant. I once swapped traditional basil pesto for a sun-dried tomato pesto, and the rich, tangy twist tasted just as incredible while giving the tree a beautiful warm colour. Whether served as a centrepiece, a party snack, or part of a festive brunch spread, this recipe delivers flavour, fun, and holiday magic.
Print
Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree: A Festive, Flaky Holiday Showpiece
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 1 puff pastry tree (8–10 servings)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive pull-apart puff pastry Christmas tree layered with basil pesto and melty cheese—crispy, golden, and perfect as a holiday appetizer centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place one sheet of puff pastry on the baking sheet.
- Spread basil pesto evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the pesto.
- Place the second puff pastry sheet on top and press gently.
- Using a knife, cut the pastry into a Christmas tree shape.
- Cut horizontal strips on both sides of the tree, leaving the center intact.
- Twist each strip outward to create branches.
- Brush the entire tree with beaten egg (and olive oil if desired).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm with marinara if desired.
Notes
- Use store-bought pesto to save time.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra flavor.
- Best served warm for maximum cheesiness.
- Can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Puff pastry sheets
These provide the buttery, flaky foundation of the Christmas tree. Puff pastry bakes into crisp, airy layers perfect for pull-apart appetisers.
Basil pesto
Adds vibrant herbal aroma, savouriness, and rich colour that spreads easily between the pastry layers.
Mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Melts beautifully inside the pastry, giving the tree its irresistible gooey texture.
Egg wash
Brushed on before baking to create a glossy golden-brown finish.
Parmesan cheese
Adds a salty, nutty finish that enhances the pesto’s flavour.
Sesame or poppy seeds
Optional, but they add texture and decorative interest.
Directions
Begin by thawing the puff pastry until it’s pliable but still cool. Unroll one sheet and place it onto a large baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spread an even layer of basil pesto across the surface, followed by a light sprinkle of shredded cheese. Place the second sheet of puff pastry directly on top and press gently to secure the layers.
Using a sharp knife, cut out a large Christmas tree shape—triangle top with a rectangle trunk. Remove the excess pastry. Next, create horizontal cuts on both sides of the tree to form branches, keeping the centre intact. Twist each branch gently to expose the pesto and cheese layers. Brush the entire tree with egg wash and sprinkle Parmesan or seeds on top.
Bake until the pastry is deeply golden and the cheese is melted throughout. Let the tree cool for a few minutes before serving. It pulls apart easily, making it perfect for sharing.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 8–10 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 18–22 minutes
Total time: Around 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 8 minutes to restore the pastry’s crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the layers. The tree is best enjoyed the day it’s made, but it reheats well.
Variations and Customizations
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Tree
Swap basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto for a deep, savoury twist.
Spinach and Ricotta Version
Spread ricotta and finely chopped spinach for a milder, creamy alternative.
Cheesy Garlic Tree
Use garlic butter and mozzarella for a flavour reminiscent of garlic bread.
Olive Tapenade Tree
Spread olive tapenade for a Mediterranean-inspired savoury variation.
Spicy Pesto Twist
Stir red pepper flakes into the pesto for a gentle kick.
Nut-Free Pesto Option
Use pumpkin seed or sunflower seed pesto for an allergy-friendly version.
Puff Pastry Wreath
Shape the pastry into a wreath instead of a tree for a different festive design.
Vegan Version
Use vegan puff pastry, dairy-free pesto, and plant-based cheese.
Truffle Pesto Tree
Mix truffle oil into the pesto for an elevated holiday flavour.
Mini Christmas Trees
Cut small trees instead of one large one to serve individually at parties.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought basil pesto works perfectly.
Does puff pastry need to be thawed first?
Yes, thaw until pliable but still cool to handle.
Can I make the tree ahead of time?
Assemble it, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Why is my pastry not puffing well?
It may have warmed too much; keep it chilled before baking.
Can I freeze the pastry tree?
Freeze unbaked, then bake directly from frozen.
What cheese melts best?
Mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, or a blend are great options.
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Absolutely—if you have the time, it enhances the flakiness.
Do I need to twist the branches?
Yes, twisting reveals the layers and creates the signature look.
Can I add meat?
Yes, thin prosciutto or pepperoni layers work well.
How do I prevent the pesto from leaking?
Avoid overspreading and press edges lightly to seal.
Conclusion
This Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is festive, delicious, and incredibly simple to prepare. With its flaky layers, rich pesto flavour, and melty cheese centre, it makes the perfect holiday appetiser or edible decoration. Whether you’re hosting a cosy gathering or contributing to a Christmas potluck, this show-stopping tree will bring joy, flavour, and a touch of seasonal magic to your table.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!