Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Tree

The Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Tree is a show-stopping appetizer that’s festive, flaky, and packed with flavor. I love how the golden layers of puff pastry pull apart to reveal gooey cheese and fragrant basil pesto. Whether I’m hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a fun, savory snack to share, this tree always steals the spotlight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This puff pastry tree is one of my favorite holiday party tricks—it looks impressive but takes very little effort. I use just a few ingredients, and the result is a buttery, crispy, cheesy pastry that’s perfect for tearing and dipping. It’s versatile, crowd-pleasing, and bakes up in under 30 minutes. Plus, the tree shape adds a playful and festive touch to any table.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Puff pastry sheets, thawed
• Basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• Shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Optional: chili flakes, pine nuts, or extra cheese for topping
• Parchment paper for baking

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

I roll out the puff pastry sheets and place one on the prepared baking sheet.

I spread a generous layer of basil pesto over the entire surface, then sprinkle the cheese evenly on top.

I place the second puff pastry sheet over the first, lining up the edges, and gently press them together.

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, I cut the layered pastry into a large triangle (this is the tree base), and then I cut horizontal strips from the center “trunk” outward on both sides to form the branches—leaving the middle intact.

I gently twist each branch a couple of times to create that signature tree look.

I brush the whole surface with a beaten egg to give it that beautiful golden finish when baked.

If I want extra flavor, I sprinkle a few chili flakes or more cheese on top before baking.

I bake for 20–25 minutes, until the tree is golden brown and puffed up.

I let it cool slightly, then serve warm, pulling off pieces to enjoy.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people as an appetizer.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I use sun-dried tomato pesto or olive tapenade instead of basil pesto for a different twist.

When I want a stronger cheese flavor, I use Gruyère or sharp cheddar in place of mozzarella.

For a sweet version, I skip the pesto and use Nutella or cinnamon sugar with butter instead.

I occasionally add crushed pine nuts or chopped spinach to the filling for more texture and color.

If I’m making mini versions, I cut smaller trees and serve them as individual hand-held snacks.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, I place the puff pastry tree in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, just until warmed and crisp again. I avoid microwaving it, since that can make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the tree a few hours ahead, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving.

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Absolutely. I always use frozen puff pastry—just make sure it’s fully thawed before rolling and assembling.

What kind of pesto works best?

I usually go with classic basil pesto, but any variety (like arugula or kale pesto) works well as long as it’s not too watery.

Do I have to twist the branches?

Twisting makes it look more festive and helps seal in the filling, but if I’m in a hurry, I can leave them flat and still get great flavor.

Can I make this without cheese?

Yes, but I find the cheese helps bind the layers and adds that melty, savory bite. If skipping cheese, I sometimes add chopped nuts or extra pesto to keep it flavorful.

Conclusion

The Basil Pesto Cheesy Puff Pastry Tree is one of those recipes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With just a few ingredients, I can create a stunning, pull-apart centerpiece that everyone gathers around. It’s festive, flaky, and full of flavor—perfect for sharing during the holidays or whenever I want to impress with minimal effort.

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