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Puff Pastry Pizza Trees Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 125 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Total Time: 34 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pastries
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Puff Pastry Pizza Christmas Trees. Layers of flaky puff pastry envelop savory smoked gouda, zesty pesto, and spicy pepperoni, shaped into charming Christmas trees perfect for appetizers or party snacks. Finished with a garlic butter glaze and Parmesan, these puff pastry treats are golden, puffy, and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry Base

  • 1 box puff pastry dough (2 sheets)

Fillings & Toppings

  • 3 tablespoons pesto (such as spinach-basil pesto)
  • ¼ cup pizza sauce
  • 6 slices smoked gouda
  • 12 slices thinly sliced pepperoni
  • Parmesan cheese (grated, for topping)

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg

Garlic Butter Glaze

  • 1 tablespoon salted butter (melted)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400℉ (204℃). If your puff pastry sheets are frozen, allow them to thaw on the counter while you prepare.
  2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a parchment-lined cutting board, roll out one sheet of puff pastry to smooth any creases and slightly enlarge the dough.
  3. Add the Sauces: Spread 3 tablespoons of pesto evenly over the rolled-out dough, followed by a thin layer of ¼ cup pizza sauce to build flavor layers.
  4. Layer the Cheese and Pepperoni: Lay down 6 slices of smoked gouda evenly across the sauced dough, then add 12 slices of thinly sliced pepperoni on top.
  5. Top with Puff Pastry Sheet: Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the filled base, pressing gently to seal the layers.
  6. Slice into Strips: Using a pizza cutter, cut the pastry horizontally into 12 strips approximately 1 inch wide each.
  7. Create Christmas Tree Shapes: Fold each strip back and forth accordion-style to form a Christmas tree shape, with the widest folds at the base and smaller folds ascending to the top. Secure each with a wooden skewer inserted vertically through the center.
  8. Prepare for Baking: Place your shaped pastries on a parchment-lined baking tray, ensuring they have space to expand while baking.
  9. Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg in a bowl and brush it generously over all the pastries for a glossy, golden finish.
  10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
  11. Brush Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and fresh parsley. While the pastries are warm, brush them generously with this garlic butter mixture.
  12. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan and additional chopped parsley on top for presentation. Serve with extra pizza sauce on the side and enjoy your festive appetizers!

Notes

  • Make a double batch to ensure plenty of these delicious treats for gatherings and second helpings.
  • The folding technique is key to achieving the Christmas tree shape—refer to video tutorials for visual guidance if needed.
  • Ensure puff pastry is well thawed for easier rolling and shaping.
  • Feel free to substitute smoked gouda with mozzarella or your favorite melting cheese.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pastry
  • Calories: 241 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.3 g
  • Sodium: 357 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.34 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.04 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 0.1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 18 mg

Find it online: https://lazydayrecipes.com/puff-pastry-pizza-trees-recipe/