Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

Introduction

This Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Crispy, cheesy, and beautifully shaped, it’s sure to impress your guests with both its taste and presentation.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets of puff pastry, defrosted
• 2-3 garlic cloves, grated
• ¾ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water for egg wash

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C, Gas mark 6) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, grated garlic, chopped parsley, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: Place one sheet of puff pastry on the prepared baking tray. Spread the butter mixture evenly over it, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover with the second sheet of puff pastry.
4. Step 4: Using a knife and a ruler, cut out a large Christmas tree shape from the layered puff pastry. Optionally, cut out some star shapes from the leftover pastry to decorate the tree. Discard any remaining unused pastry.
5. Step 5: Cut equal slits along both sides of the tree shape, leaving a center spine intact. Carefully twist each slit outward to create the appearance of branches.
6. Step 6: Whisk the egg and water together to make an egg wash. Brush the entire tree and any star decorations with the egg wash for a golden finish.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
8. Step 8: Serve warm with marinara sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your festive cheese puff pastry tree!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of chili flakes or Italian seasoning to the butter mixture.
• Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar or parmesan for a different taste profile.
• Ensure your puff pastry is well chilled before assembling to help maintain its shape while baking.
• Leftover decorations can be brushed with egg wash and baked separately as tasty bites.

Storage

Store any leftover pastry tree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated without losing texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen garlic instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen garlic works fine. Just use the equivalent amount to about 2-3 fresh garlic cloves and make sure it’s well thawed before mixing with the butter.

What can I substitute for parsley if I don’t have any?

You can use fresh basil, chives, or oregano instead, depending on your flavor preference. These herbs will complement the cheese and garlic nicely.

Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

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4.5 from 74 reviews

This Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a festive and savory appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of flaky puff pastry are filled with a flavorful garlic parsley butter and melted mozzarella cheese, then twisted into a stunning Christmas tree shape. Baked until golden and crispy, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for sharing and dipping with your favorite sauces.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Western, Holiday
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 2 sheets of puff pastry, defrosted

Garlic Butter Mixture

• 2–3 garlic cloves, grated
• ¾ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Cheese

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Egg Wash

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Tray: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C, Gas Mark 6) and line a baking tray with baking paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Make Garlic Parsley Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, grated garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and salt until fully combined to create a flavorful spread for the pastry.
3. Assemble Pastry Layers: Place one sheet of defrosted puff pastry onto the prepared baking tray. Evenly spread the garlic parsley butter mixture over this layer, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover with the second sheet of puff pastry to encase the filling.
4. Cut Out Christmas Tree Shape: Using a sharp knife and a ruler, carefully cut the layered puff pastry into a large Christmas tree shape. You can also cut out decorative stars from the leftover pastry to embellish your tree. Discard any remaining pastry bits.
5. Create Tree Branches: On both sides of the tree shape, make equal slits, leaving space in the center to maintain the tree’s structure. Twist each slit outward gently to form the branches of the tree.
6. Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with water to make an egg wash. Brush this evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry tree and the decorative stars to help achieve a glossy, golden finish.
7. Bake the Tree: Place the baking tray in the oven and bake the pastry Christmas tree for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and crispy.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve the cheese puff pastry Christmas tree warm with marinara sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauces for a festive treat.

Notes

• Make sure puff pastry sheets are fully defrosted before assembling to prevent tearing.
• You can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like cheddar or fontina for different flavors.
• Handle the rolled branches gently to avoid breaking the pastry.
• Serve immediately after baking for best texture and flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to retain crispness.

Keywords: Christmas tree puff pastry, cheese puff pastry, holiday appetizer, festive appetizer, garlic parsley butter pastry, mozzarella puff pastry