This post may contain affiliate links, please see the privacy policy for details.
These cute trees are flaky, cheesy and loaded with delicious herby punch. Make them quickly and easily using store-bought pastry, then layer 2 different pestos for color contrast and big flavor. The spiraled folds bake up crisp on the edges and tender inside, so every bite hits that salty sweet tomato note against bright basil. Serve them as a starter, a snack, or a party nibble. Try not to eat them all while plating! Pesto puff pastry Christmas trees deliver instant holiday cheer.
Buttery layers meet basil and tomato in pesto puff pastry Christmas trees. Crisp edges and tender centers make this quick party bite a fast holiday win. Serve warm.
You might also like melted snowman cookie bark, a jumbo Christmas tree fruit pizza cookie, or mint milano Christmas brownies.
Why You’ll Love It
Two-tone wow: Red and green pesto give instant holiday color.
Big flavor, little effort: Store-bought pastry makes these appetizers a breeze.
Party friendly: Handheld bites that stay neat while you mingle.
Customizable: You can swap nuts or cheese to fit taste and budget.
Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Puff pastry sheets: Buttery layers that puff into crisp, flaky trees.
Eggs: Whisked for an egg wash that seals layers and adds shine.
Garlic powder: Gentle garlic to season the pastry surface.
Italian seasoning: Savory herbs that echo the pesto flavors.
Sun dried tomatoes: Concentrated tomato sweetness for the red pesto.
Fresh herbs: Basil oregano parsley build bright aroma in the red pesto.
Pine nuts: Classic nutty body that makes the pestos creamy.
Parmesan cheese: Salty bite that balances herbs and tomato.
Extra virgin olive oil: Smooth texture and fruity finish.
Garlic: Fresh cloves that bring heat and depth to both pestos.
Red pepper flakes: A small kick that wakes up the red pesto.
Fresh herbs: Basil and parsley keep the green pesto vibrant.
How to Make Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Set up: Line trays with parchment and preheat the oven.
Make red pesto: Blend tomatoes, herbs, nuts, cheese, oil, garlic and chili.
Make green pesto: Blend basil, parsley, nuts, cheese, oil and garlic.
Roll and cut: Lightly roll pastry, cut into strips, brush with egg wash.
Spread: Alternate red and green pesto across the strips for color contrast.
Chill: Refrigerate the strips so the pastry firms for clean folds.
Shape: Fold wide to narrow to form a tree, then add a skewer.
Bake: Arrange with space between trees and bake until puffed and golden.
Substitutions and Variations
Gluten free option: Use gluten free puff pastry and check pesto ingredients.
Nut swap: Replace pine nuts with walnuts or almonds.
Cheese twist: Use pecorino for a sharper finish.
Heat level: Add extra red pepper flakes for more kick.
Vegan route: Choose vegan puff pastry and a plant based hard cheese.
Herb remix: Add a touch of mint to the green pesto for lift.
Other pesto recipes: This is my favorite recipe for green pesto and you could try this pesto rosso recipe too!
Serving Suggestions
With savory bites: Enjoy Christmas tree themed antipasto, brie and cranberry bites and this cute reindeer cheese ball with your puff pastry trees.
With sweet treats: Serve marshmallow pops and Christmas poke cake too.
With a seasonal sip: Enjoy a gingerbread latte rum cocktail or cranberry orange prosecco.
How to Store Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Bites
Store: Keep them in an airtight container for a few days.
Freeze: Freezing makes these lose their crispiness, so I don’t recommend it.
Reheat: Give them a few minutes in the oven at 400°F to warm them up and bring back some of the crunch.
Top Tips
Keep it cold: Chilled pastry folds cleaner and puffs higher.
Thin but even: Spread pesto in a thin layer so the pastry can lift.
Mind the edge: Leave a small border so seams seal under the egg wash.
Space the trees: Give room on the tray for airflow and height.
Skewer smart: Twist the skewer as you insert so layers don’t tear.
Savory Puff Pastry Christmas Trees FAQs
You can prepare the pesto ahead of time and keep it refrigerated, then you can assemble these in a few minutes shortly before your guests arrive.
Oh yes! In Italy, pastry-based appetizers are known as rustici which translates to mean “rustic”. Anytime there’s a buffet, birthday party, Christmas get-together or potluck event in Italy, rustici are sure to make an appearance!
Pesto Christmas Tree Puff Pastry Appetizer
Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
Equipment
- Food Processor or Blender
Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry Trees
- 2 Sheets puff pastry, thawed
- ½ Teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ Teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Egg Wash
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tablespoons water
For the Red Pesto
- ½ Cup sun dried tomatoes
- 3 Cloves garlic
- ¼ Cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 Sprigs fresh oregano
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley
- 1 Pinch salt
- 1 Pinch black pepper
- ½ Teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 Tablespoons pine nuts
- ¼ Cup parmesan cheese
- ⅓ Cup extra virgin olive oil
For the Green Pesto
- 3 Cloves garlic
- ½ Cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ Cup fresh parsley
- 1 Pinch salt
- 1 Pinch black pepper
- 2 Tablespoon pine nuts
- ¼ Cup parmesan cheese
- ⅓ Cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Thaw the puff pastry sheets before starting. Soak skewers in a bowl of water while preparing puff pastry trees.
- Add all red pesto ingredients to the food processor (or blender) and blend. Add to a bowl and rinse the food processor (or blender).
- Next, add green pesto ingredients to the food processor (or blender) and blend. Add to a bowl.
- Slice each puff pastry sheet into 8 equal sized strips. (about 1-inch wide each). Brush with egg wash, then place onto a flat work surface eggwash side down.
- Spread a thick layer of the pesto onto each strip of puff pastry, alternating red and green pesto as you work. Place into the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Next, fold the puff pastry accordion style, start the first fold wide, then increasingly more narrow with each fold. The finished product should be shaped like a triangle (or, Christmas tree). Pierce the skewer down the center of the pastry.
- Place onto a baking sheet. Add to the center rack of the oven and bake for 15 minutes
- Allow pastry to cool for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Thin but even: Spread pesto in a thin layer so the pastry can lift.
Mind the edge: Leave a small border so seams seal under the egg wash.
Space the trees: Give room on the tray for airflow and height.
Skewer smart: Twist the skewer as you insert so layers don’t tear.
Nutrition
If you want a holiday nibble that looks cute and tastes bold, this is it. The flaky layers stay light while the twin pestos bring color and contrast in every bite. The fold is simple, the bake is quick, and the result feels special without extra steps. Put out pesto puff pastry Christmas trees and watch them disappear before the next tray even reaches the table.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
Such a pretty dish that seems complicated but so easy and delicious! We enjoyed it so much!
These are just adorable!