Pesto puff pastry Christmas tree skewers are a festive holiday appetiser that uses buttery, flaky puff pastry with a filling of basil pesto and melted cheese. The pastry is shaped into trees, skewered and baked into delicious golden, crispy appetisers.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
2Puff pastry sheets (thawed) (For the puff pastry trees)
4-6 tbspBasil pesto
1/2 cupShredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cupParmesan cheese (grated)
1Egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp Water
8-10Cherry tomatoes (halved) For Decoration (optional)
For Decoration Fresh basil leaves
For Decoration Parmesan cheese stars (cut with a cookie cutter)
Preheat your oven to 200°C. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the puff pastry sheets from the freezer and allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, or until they unfold easily without cracking. Dust your work surface lightly with flour.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Roll and spread the first pastry sheet
Unfold one puff pastry sheet onto your floured work surface. Using a rolling pin, carefully roll it out to smooth any creases and create a rectangle approximately 11x13 inches. Transfer this sheet (with the parchment paper underneath) to your prepared baking sheet. Using a spoon or spatula, spread the basil pesto evenly over the entire surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Add cheese and the second pastry layer
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto, followed by half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Gently press the cheese into the pesto so it sticks. Roll out the second puff pastry sheet to the same dimensions as the first. Carefully place it on top of the pesto-covered sheet, aligning the edges. Press down gently with your hands to seal the two sheets, ensuring the filling is enclosed and not spilling out.
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Step 4: Cut the pastry strips
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the layered puff pastry into strips approximately 1 inch wide and 10 inches long. You should get about 8-10 strips, depending on the exact size of your pastry. If you want to make star toppers, reserve a small section of plain pastry before adding pesto, or save some scraps.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Form the Christmas trees
Take one strip and carefully fold it back and forth (accordion-style) about 4 times to create a triangular tree shape, with the widest fold at the bottom and progressively narrower folds toward the top. Gently insert a wooden skewer through the centre of the folded pastry tree. Place the assembled tree on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all remaining strips, spacing them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Description - Step 6
Step 6: Add finishing touches and bake
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the egg wash over each Christmas tree. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the trees. If using star-shaped cookie cutters, place them on top of each tree and brush with egg wash. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Description - Step 7
Step 7: Cool and decorate
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes. Carefully transfer to a serving platter. If desired, decorate with halved cherry tomatoes arranged like ornaments and fresh basil leaves. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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Italian
Intermediate
Appetizer
