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The holiday season is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen, and this Festive Puff Pastry Christmas Tree recipe brings festive flair to your table. Combining the flaky goodness of puff pastry with savory fillings like bacon, cheddar, and Italian herbs, this dish is as delightful to make as it is to eat. Topped with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh chives, this edible Christmas tree is a stunning centerpiece that will impress your guests and bring holiday cheer to any gathering.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a festive party, or looking for a fun holiday project to share with loved ones, this recipe is simple, customizable, and guaranteed to spread the joy of the season.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for the Holidays
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The Christmas tree shape makes it a show-stopping addition to your holiday spread.
- Festive Flavors: With a combination of tangy tomato sauce, smoky bacon, melty cheddar, and fresh herbs, every bite is packed with holiday flavor.
- Fun and Creative: Perfect for getting the whole family involved, especially kids who will love shaping and decorating the tree.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or accommodate dietary preferences.
Ingredients Notes
Here’s what you’ll need to make this savory Christmas tree:
- Puff Pastry Sheets: The base of the recipe, providing that irresistible flaky texture.
- Tomato Sauce: A tangy, flavorful base for the filling.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, melty goodness.
- Bacon: Smoky, crispy, and a perfect complement to the cheese.
- Italian Herbs: Enhances the flavor with a fragrant, herby touch.
- Cherry Tomatoes: For festive red pops of color and fresh flavor.
- Mozzarella Balls: Alternated with cherry tomatoes for a delightful texture and creamy taste.
- Chives: Adds a fresh, green garnish to complete the festive look.
- Red Pepper: Used to craft the stem of the tree for a charming touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Layer the Filling
- Roll out one sheet of puff pastry on a flat surface. Spread a thin, even layer of tomato sauce over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by slices of bacon and a generous pinch of Italian herbs.
Add the Top Layer
- Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the filling, gently pressing down to seal the layers together.
Cut and Roll
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 15 equal strips. Roll each strip tightly into a spiral to create puff pastry rolls.
Assemble the Christmas Tree
On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the rolls into the shape of a Christmas tree:
- Place one roll at the top as the tree’s “star.”
- Form subsequent rows, increasing the number of rolls per row to create the triangular tree shape.
- Leave space at the bottom to form the trunk using a piece of pepper.
Decorate the Tree
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and alternate them with mozzarella balls on top of the rolls. This creates the look of festive ornaments. Use the piece of pepper to form the stem at the base of the tree.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake the assembled tree in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown, the bacon is crispy, and the cheese is bubbling.
Garnish with Chives
- Remove the tree from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the top for a festive green touch.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Tree Puff Pastry Twists is best served warm, straight from the oven. It’s perfect for:
- Holiday Appetizers: Slice into smaller portions for guests to enjoy at parties.
- Festive Snacks: Serve with a side of marinara sauce or garlic dip for extra flavor.
- Centerpiece Dish: Use it as a fun, edible decoration for your holiday table.
Pair it with a fresh green salad or a comforting bowl of soup for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Pastry: Work with cold puff pastry to ensure it retains its flaky texture during baking.
- Seal the Layers: Press the edges firmly to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
- Even Rolls: Roll the strips tightly to maintain their shape during baking.
- Customize Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients, such as olives, caramelized onions, or spinach.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is highly adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your preferences:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the bacon for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
- Spicy Twist: Add a sprinkle of red chili flakes or use spicy chorizo instead of bacon.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh basil, oregano, or parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Sweet Version: For a dessert twist, use Nutella, cinnamon sugar, or jam as the filling.
Celebrate the Season with Flavor
This Christmas Tree Puff Pastry Twists recipe captures the essence of holiday cheer in every bite. With its stunning presentation, delicious layers of flavor, and endless customization possibilities, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a holiday tradition.
Gather your loved ones around the table and share the joy of this edible Christmas tree—it’s festive, fun, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Make your holiday menu sparkle with this delightful recipe!
Other Christmas Recipes You’ll Love
Walnut Cookies with Caramel and Hazelnut Filling
Caramelized Cinnamon Sugar Almonds (Gebrannte Mandeln)
Festive Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 sheets of puff pastry
- 70 ml tomato sauce
- 200 g cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 packs of bacon
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- 5 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 mozzarella balls
- 1 teaspoon chives, finely chopped
- ½ red pepper (to form the tree stem)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the first pastry sheet: Roll out one sheet of puff pastry on a flat surface.
- Layer the filling: Spread a thin, even layer of tomato sauce over the pastry. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, lay down the bacon, and sprinkle with Italian herbs.
- Add the second pastry sheet: Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the first, gently pressing down to seal the layers together.
- Cut into strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the layered pastry into 15 equal strips.
- Roll the strips: Roll each strip into a tight spiral to form puff pastry rolls.
- Shape the Christmas tree: Arrange the rolls on the baking sheet into the shape of a Christmas tree:Start with one roll at the top. Form subsequent rows with increasing numbers of rolls to shape a triangular tree. Leave space at the bottom and use a piece of pepper to create the tree trunk.
- Decorate the tree: Alternate placing half a cherry tomato and a mozzarella ball on each roll until the tree is fully decorated.
- Bake: Place the tree in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown, the bacon is crisp, and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chives: Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the top. Serve warm.
