This fun and festive puff pastry Christmas tree is filled with gooey cheese and delightful herbs! It’s sure to impress at any holiday gathering.
Honestly, who can resist cheesy goodness? I love serving this warm, and it disappears faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!” 🎄
Making this tree is super easy! Just roll out the pastry, fill it up, shape it, and bake. It’s a magical treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show! Look for a good-quality frozen puff pastry, which is usually found in the freezer section of the grocery store. If you’re in a pinch, you can try making your own, though it’s a bit more time-consuming.
Cream Cheese: It adds creaminess to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with ricotta or Greek yogurt. Both will still bring a nice texture.
Cheeses: I love using mozzarella and Parmesan for their meltiness and flavor. If you want a twist, try cheddar or feta cheese for a different taste. Just remember that stronger cheeses can overpower the dish.
Vegetables: Tomatoes add freshness, but you can swap them for roasted red peppers or even sautéed mushrooms if you prefer. The greens like kale or spinach can be changed to any leafy green you enjoy.
How Do You Create the Perfect Tree Shape?
Shaping the Christmas tree is crucial for that festive look! Start with a good outline. When cutting out the tree shape, make sure to leave enough pastry at the trunk so it can hold everything together.
- Keep the pastry chilled until you’re ready to use it. Warm pastry can be hard to work with.
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts; ragged edges can make it harder to seal.
- Create even strips for twisting, which helps it bake evenly and look attractive.
Enjoy making this festive treat; it’s as much about the looks as it is about the taste! 🌟
How to Make a Savory Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pastry:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small tomato, thinly sliced or cherry tomatoes halved
- Fresh kale or spinach leaves (about 1/2 cup), washed and dried
For Finishing Touches:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or mixed herbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Christmas tree will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes to create this festive treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Shape Your Tree:
Take one sheet of puff pastry and roll it out onto the lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut out the shape of a Christmas tree, making sure to add a slightly rectangular trunk at the bottom. This is the base of your tree!
3. Add the Creamy Layer:
Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the tree shape you just cut out. Make sure to leave a little border around the edges to keep everything neatly contained.
4. Layer on the Cheeses:
Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the cream cheese layer. Follow that with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese—yum!
5. Top it Off with Tasty Goodness:
Place the thinly sliced tomato or halved cherry tomatoes evenly over the cheese. Then, scatter the fresh kale or spinach leaves on top for an added pop of color and flavor.
6. Cover It All Up:
Now, place the second sheet of puff pastry right on top of your filled pastry. Gently press the edges together to seal your tasty treasure, making sure to secure it well, especially around the trunk of the tree.
7. Create the Festive Strips:
Using your sharp knife again, start at the bottom edges of the tree and cut strips about 1 inch wide on both sides, stopping before you get to the top point of the tree. You want to keep the tip intact to resemble a tree!
8. Twist Away:
Now comes the fun part! Gently twist each strip away from the center to create a lovely braided effect, so you can see the delicious fillings peeking through.
9. Add the Finishing Touches:
Brush the entire pastry with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden color when baked. Then, sprinkle the dried herbs, along with salt and pepper, on top for extra flavor.
10. Bake and Enjoy:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is nice and puffed up, turning golden brown. When it’s ready, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Now it’s time to slice into your gorgeous Savory Puff Pastry Christmas Tree! Serve it warm and watch it disappear as everyone enjoys its cheesy, festive goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry?
Absolutely! Make sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. This makes it easier to shape and work with.
What Can I Substitute for the Cream Cheese?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use ricotta or Greek yogurt as a substitute. Both will maintain a nice creamy texture, but be mindful that they may alter the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, so it gets crispy again!
Can I Add Other Fillings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding sautéed mushrooms, cooked sausage, or even roasted vegetables. Just ensure you don’t overfill the pastry, to maintain its structure.