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 fragrant with garlic and parsley, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Impress your guests with this beautiful and tasty treat.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets of puff pastry, defrosted
• 2-3 garlic cloves, grated
• 3/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C/Gas 6) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, grated garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix well until evenly blended.
3. Step 3: Place one sheet of defrosted puff pastry on the prepared baking tray. Spread the garlic-parsley butter mixture evenly over the pastry. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then cover with the second sheet of puff pastry.
4. Step 4: Using a knife and a ruler, carefully cut out a large Christmas tree shape from the layered puff pastry sheets. If desired, cut out some stars from any leftover pastry to decorate the tree. Discard any remaining scraps.
5. Step 5: On both sides of the tree shape, cut equal slits leaving some space in the middle for the trunk. Twist each slit gently to form branches.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush this over the entire tree and any pastry stars to give a golden finish.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is puffed, golden, and crispy.
8. Step 8: Serve warm with marinara sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your festive cheese puff pastry Christmas tree!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to the butter mixture.
• You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or a mix of your favorite melting cheeses.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of parsley for a different aroma.
• Make smaller individual trees for easy party snacks.

Storage

Store any leftovers 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. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the cheese puff pastry tree ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pastry tree up to the point before baking, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a few hours. Bake it when ready, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.

What can I use instead of puff pastry?

Puff pastry is key for the flaky texture, but if unavailable, you can try phyllo dough, though the texture and preparation will differ. Other doughs won’t give the same buttery crispness.

Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

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4.7 from 59 reviews

A delightful and festive Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree that combines flaky puff pastry with a savory garlic, parsley, and mozzarella filling. Perfect as a holiday appetizer or party snack, this visually stunning treat is easy to make and bursting with cheesy goodness.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 2 sheets of puff pastry, defrosted

Filling

• 2–3 garlic cloves, grated
• 3/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Egg Wash

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: 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. Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, grated garlic, chopped parsley, and salt until well combined. This mixture will add a flavorful and aromatic layer to the pastry.
3. Assemble Pastry Layers: Place one sheet of puff pastry on the prepared baking tray. Spread the garlic-parsley butter mixture evenly over this sheet. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top before covering it with the second sheet of puff pastry.
4. Cut Christmas Tree Shape: Using a knife and a ruler, carefully 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 excess pastry.
5. Create Branches: Cut equal slits along both sides of the tree shape, leaving some space in the middle to maintain the trunk. Gently twist each slit to mimic tree branches, adding a decorative effect and more texture to the pastry.
6. Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush this evenly over the entire puff pastry Christmas tree and any star decorations to give a beautiful golden finish when baked.
7. Bake: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy to the touch.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve your Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with marinara sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce for a festive and delicious appetizer.

Notes

• Ensure the puff pastry sheets are fully defrosted before assembling to prevent tearing.
• Use cold butter softened just enough to mix easily for the best consistency of filling.
• Twist the branches gently to avoid breaking the pastry layers.
• Allow the pastry to cool for a few minutes after baking to help the cheese set slightly for easier serving.
• This recipe can be customized with different cheeses or herbs according to taste.

Keywords: Cheese Puff Pastry, Christmas Tree Appetizer, Holiday Snacks, Festive Appetizer, Puff Pastry Recipe