Puff Pastry Pesto Trees are the ultimate festive holiday appetizer buttery, flaky, and filled with aromatic basil pesto. Shaped like little Christmas trees, these golden puff pastry bites look stunning on any holiday table and taste just as good as they look. They’re quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress guests without any fuss.
I first made these for a Christmas brunch, and they instantly became a tradition. The smell of buttery pastry and herby pesto baking in the oven fills the house with cozy holiday vibes. Best of all, they’re made with just a few ingredients but deliver big flavor and festive charm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 3 main ingredients and ready in 25 minutes
- Flaky, golden, and full of herby flavor
- Fun and festive shape that’s perfect for holiday gatherings
- Can be made ahead and baked fresh before serving
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 3 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it out slightly to smooth any creases.
Step 2: Add the Pesto
Spread an even layer of pesto over the entire pastry sheet. If you like, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
Step 3: Shape the Trees
Cut the puff pastry into strips about 1 inch wide. Fold or twist each strip to create a spiral shape, then form it into a Christmas tree by zig-zagging from wider at the bottom to narrower at the top. Insert a small wooden skewer or pretzel stick at the bottom for the tree trunk.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Place each tree on the prepared baking sheet. Brush lightly with beaten egg to give them a golden shine. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
Let the trees cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm with their buttery, crispy layers and vibrant pesto flavor.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Trees
- Keep puff pastry cold until ready to bake for best flakiness.
- Don’t overfill with pesto — a thin, even layer prevents leakage.
- Twist the dough tightly so it holds shape while baking.
- Brush lightly with egg wash for a glossy, golden finish.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use sun-dried tomato pesto or olive tapenade for a different flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or cheddar before twisting.
- Make sweet versions using Nutella or cinnamon sugar instead of pesto.
- Use puff pastry scraps to make mini stars or hearts for decoration.
- Try vegan puff pastry and skip the egg wash for a plant-based version.
Serving Suggestions
These puff pastry pesto trees are perfect for any holiday occasion.
- Serve as appetizers at Christmas parties or brunches.
- Pair with marinara or aioli for dipping.
- Add to a festive charcuterie or grazing board.
- Use as edible table decorations for a fun presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Letting the puff pastry get too warm before shaping.
- Overloading with pesto, which can cause sogginess.
- Skipping the parchment paper — it prevents sticking.
- Baking too long, which can dry out the pastry.
- Not spacing the trees far enough apart (they expand as they bake).
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the trees up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Store baked trees in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to crisp them up again.
- Freeze unbaked trees for up to 2 months, then bake directly from frozen.
Nutrition Facts (per tree, approx.)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Calcium: 4% DV
Puff Pastry Pesto Trees
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush for egg wash
- Knife or Pizza Cutter for cutting strips
- skewers or pretzel sticks optional for tree trunks
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 3 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Roll out the puff pastry to smooth any creases.
- Spread pesto evenly over the pastry. Sprinkle with Parmesan if using.
- Cut pastry into 1-inch strips. Twist and fold each into a tree shape. Insert skewer or pretzel stick for the trunk.
- Place trees on baking sheet. Brush with egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until puffed and golden. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Flaky, Buttery, and Full of Holiday Cheer
Puff Pastry Pesto Trees are a fun and festive way to bring a little extra magic to your holiday table. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create an appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Serve them warm and watch them disappear — they’re the kind of easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that makes the holidays feel special with almost no effort.
