Pesto Cheese Straw Christmas Tree Recipe

Introduction

This festive Pesto Cheese Straw Christmas Tree is a delightful appetizer that combines flaky puff pastry with savory pesto and cheese. It’s visually stunning and perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a fun twist on classic cheese straws.

Ingredients

• 2 x 320g sheets ready-rolled all-butter puff pastry
• 6 tbsp pesto
• 100g mature cheddar, parmesan or gruyère, finely grated
• 1 egg, beaten
• Dips of your choice, to serve (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Unroll the two pastry sheets on their baking parchment.
2. Step 2: Spread the pesto evenly over one pastry sheet, then scatter half of the grated cheese on top.
3. Step 3: Flip the second pastry sheet over the first, pressing gently to stick the sheets together. Remove the top layer of baking parchment.
4. Step 4: Cut a large triangle with a small stump at the bottom to form the Christmas tree shape using as much pastry as possible. From the leftover pastry, cut a star shape for the top of the tree and reserve any remaining offcuts.
5. Step 5: Transfer the tree onto a large baking tray. Brush it with the beaten egg, then brush and press the star onto the tree’s tip. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tree and press lightly to adhere.
6. Step 6: On each side of the tree, cut strips about 1cm apart vertically, leaving a 2cm ‘trunk’ in the middle. Twist each strip and press the ends back down to the tray to form branches.
7. Step 7: Cut the reserved offcuts into thin straws and spread them on a separate baking tray.
8. Step 8: You can either bake immediately, wrap and chill the tree and straws for up to two days, or freeze for up to two months before baking.
9. Step 9: To bake, place in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden and puffed. Serve warm with your favorite dips if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses, such as cheddar and parmesan, for a richer flavor.
• If you don’t have a template, draw a tree and star shape on paper to use as a guide when cutting.
• For a nutty twist, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top before baking.
• Try swapping pesto for sun-dried tomato paste or olive tapenade for different tastes.

Storage

Store any leftover baked tree and cheese straws in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a low oven to restore crispness. Unbaked, you can wrap the tree and straws tightly and chill for 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months; thaw fully before baking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade pesto works wonderfully and allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. Just make sure it isn’t too watery to avoid soggy pastry.

How do I make sure the pastry stays crisp?

Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking and avoid overcrowding the tray. Twisting the pastry strips helps create layers that crisp nicely as they bake.

Pesto Cheese Straw Christmas Tree Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 124 reviews

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6–8 as an appetizer 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Celebrate the festive season with this delightful Pesto Cheese Straw Christmas Tree recipe. Layers of buttery puff pastry are filled with vibrant pesto and a blend of mature cheddar, parmesan, or gruyère, then shaped into a whimsical Christmas tree. Perfect as a savory appetizer or party snack, it’s easy to prepare ahead and bake to golden, cheesy perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff Pastry and Filling

• 2 x 320g sheets ready-rolled all-butter puff pastry
• 6 tbsp pesto
• 100g mature cheddar, parmesan, or gruyère, finely grated

For Finishing

• 1 egg, beaten
• Dips of your choice, to serve (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6 to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the pastry evenly.
2. Prepare Pastry Layers: Unroll the two sheets of puff pastry on their baking parchment. Spread the pesto evenly over one sheet, then scatter half of the grated cheese on top.
3. Assemble Pastry Sheets: Place the second sheet of pastry on top of the pesto-covered one and gently press to stick the layers together. Remove the top layer of baking parchment carefully.
4. Cut Christmas Tree and Star: Using a sharp knife, cut out a large Christmas tree shape—a big triangle with a small trunk at the bottom—from the layered pastry, using as much pastry as possible. From the leftover pastry offcuts, cut out a star shape to top the tree. Reserve remaining offcuts for making cheese straws.
5. Arrange and Brush: Transfer the tree shape onto a large baking tray. Brush the entire surface with beaten egg. Place the star on top, brush it with egg, and press gently to adhere.
6. Add Cheese and Cut Branches: Scatter the remaining grated cheese over the tree and gently press down to help it stick. On both sides of the tree, make vertical cuts about 1cm apart down the length of the tree, leaving a 2cm wide trunk strip in the middle uncut.
7. Twist the Branches: Carefully twist each cut strip of pastry away from the trunk to create the branches and press them gently back onto the baking tray to stay in place.
8. Create Cheese Straws: Cut the reserved offcut pastry into thin strips and arrange them on a separate baking tray, ready for baking.
9. Chill or Bake: At this point, you can wrap the tree and cheese straws and chill for up to two days or freeze for up to two months, or proceed to bake immediately.
10. Bake: Place both trays in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden and the cheese is bubbling.
11. Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving with your choice of dips if desired. Enjoy your festive pesto cheese straw Christmas tree!

Notes

• Use all-butter puff pastry for the best buttery flavor and crispness.
• Pesto can be homemade or store-bought; adjust quantity to taste.
• Feel free to mix mature cheddar with parmesan or gruyère for complex flavor.
• Ensure the pastry is cold before handling to keep it flaky.
• Twisting the branches creates a decorative effect and helps even baking.
• Cheese straws can be served as a complementary snack or appetizer alongside the tree.
• The tree can be prepared ahead, chilled, or frozen to save time on the day of serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European

Keywords: pesto, cheese straws, Christmas tree appetizer, puff pastry, festive appetizer, holiday snack, cheesy pastry twist