We devoured our Christmas trees
Come make it
INGREDIENTS:
• Puff pastry (thawed)
• Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• Pesto
• Egg wash (1 egg + splash of water)
• Cranberry jelly (for decorating)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry into a rectangle on parchment paper.
3. Sprinkle brie cubes evenly over the pastry.
4. Add a light layer of pesto (don’t overdo it).
5. Fold the pastry over the filling to seal into a long rectangle and gently press edges closed.
6. Slice 1-inch strips down both sides, leaving the center intact.
7. Cut out two small rectangles at the bottom to form the trunk.
8. Fold the top two strips inward to create a triangle for the tree top.
9. Brush generously with egg wash.
10. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until puffed and deeply golden.
11. Let cool slightly, then decorate the entire tree with pesto and small dots of cranberry jelly.
Flaky, savory, and perfect as an appetizer any time of year. Especially during the holidays 🎄🐾💛
This puff pastry Christmas tree recipe offers a beautiful and tasty way to impress your guests during the holiday season. The combination of creamy Brie cheese and flavorful pesto creates a rich and savory filling inside a golden, flaky crust. Using puff pastry not only makes this recipe simple but also adds a light, buttery texture that perfectly complements the smooth cheese. To ensure the perfect puff and golden color, it’s important to keep the puff pastry properly thawed but cool before rolling it out. Overworking the dough can cause it to lose its lift in the oven. The egg wash before baking helps achieve that shiny, appetizing finish. Decorating with cranberry jelly adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant red color that beautifully contrasts with the green pesto, making the tree look festive and inviting on your holiday table. For an extra special touch, consider adding some chopped nuts like walnuts or pistachios inside the filling or sprinkled on top before baking. They add a nice crunch and additional depth of flavor. This appetizer is ideal not only for Christmas but any holiday event, as it’s easy to customize with your favorite cheeses or herbs. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or sparkling beverage, making it perfect for sipping and sharing. The playful shape of the Christmas tree adds a charming homemade feel that’s sure to delight both adults and children. Baking it fresh and warming before serving keeps the brie gooey and the pastry crisp. Give this recipe a try to add a festive flair to your holiday appetizer spread that balances savory, sweet, and herbal notes in every bite. It’s a memorable, crowd-pleasing starter that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
