Description
This festive appetizer features golden, flaky puff pastry filled with melty cheese and fragrant herbs, shaped into a charming Christmas tree.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup grated cheese (mozzarella and cheddar recommended, optional 1/4 cup parmesan)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme or rosemary, optional chives)
- 1 egg, beaten (or dairy-free milk for vegan)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Optional: 1/4 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Thaw puff pastry sheets if needed and lay them flat.
- In a bowl, combine grated cheese, chopped herbs, garlic powder, and any optional fillings. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
- On a lightly floured surface, gently roll both pastry sheets to smooth out folds if needed. Place one sheet on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the cheese-herb mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Top with the second pastry sheet and press edges to seal.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, outline a Christmas tree shape (triangle with trunk). Remove excess pastry and set aside for ornaments if desired. Cut horizontal branches about 1-inch apart, stopping 3/4-inch from the center. Twist each branch a couple of times. Use leftover pastry to cut stars or circles as ornaments and place on the tree.
- Brush the entire tree and ornaments with beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Check at 20 minutes; if edges brown too fast, cover loosely with foil. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Savory Puff Pastry Christmas, Holiday Appetizer, Festive Recipe