Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry Recipe
This festive Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry is a delightful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Flaky puff pastry is topped with creamy camembert cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy pistachios, then baked to golden perfection. A drizzle of honey and fresh thyme garnish add a touch of sweetness and aromatic freshness, making this savory pastry both visually appealing and delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pastry Trees:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz camembert cheese, sliced
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup pistachios, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp honey, for brushing
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into a triangle shape resembling a Christmas tree. You can make a large tree or several smaller ones, depending on your preference.
- Assemble the Pastry Trees: Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce onto the center of the pastry triangle. Layer slices of camembert cheese on top of the cranberry sauce. Sprinkle the finely chopped pistachios over the cheese for a crunchy texture and festive flavor.
- Shape the Trees: Carefully fold the edges of the puff pastry to form a tree shape. You can fold the sides inward to form the “branches” or leave them as they are for a more rustic look. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish after baking.
- Bake the Pastry Trees: Place the pastry trees on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the pastry trees from the oven and drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs to mimic the look of tree branches. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before working with it to prevent cracking.
- You can substitute camembert with brie cheese for a similar creamy texture.
- If cranberry sauce is unavailable, use lingonberry jam or a tart berry preserve instead.
- Chop pistachios finely for easy sprinkling and better texture.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cracked black pepper on the cheese before baking.
- Serve freshly baked while warm for the best texture and taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry tree (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Christmas appetizer, puff pastry recipe, camembert cheese recipe, cranberry and pistachio pastry, festive snacks, holiday appetizers
