Description
Delight guests with savory puff pastry Christmas tree appetizers easy showstopping bites that bring holiday flavor and festive wowfactor
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed — keep it cold until you’re ready to work; if you’re gluten-free, look for a gluten-free puff pastry option
8 oz cream cheese, softened — for a lush, tangy filling
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère — gives a melty, golden bite
1 cup finely chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry — you can swap with thawed kale or a mix of greens
1 small garlic clove, minced — or 1/4 tsp garlic powder for convenience
1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper — adjust to taste
2 tbsp sour cream or heavy cream — keeps the filling creamy and light
1 large egg, beaten — for egg wash to help the pastry shine
Optional fillings/toppers: chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, olives for “ornaments,” and fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Optional: crispy bacon bits or pancetta for a meaty version
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup and crisp edges.
- Roll the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a Christmas-tree silhouette as a guide and cut out the shape, then cut a slightly smaller inner tree to form a hollow frame. This hollow center is where your filling will nestle after baking.
- Transfer the tree frame to the prepared sheet. Brush the edges with the beaten egg wash for a glossy finish. Prick the interior lightly with a fork to prevent puffing in unexpected places.
- Bake 14–18 minutes, until the pastry is deeply golden and puffed. The outer ring should be crisp and the interior lightly set. Let the tree cool on the sheet for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the cream cheese, cheddar, spinach, garlic, salt, pepper, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. If the mixture seems thick, add a dab more sour cream or cream to loosen.
- Carefully spoon or pipe the filling into the hollow center of the baked tree. If you cut a true hollow, you’ll see a neat cavity ready to be filled. For a quicker option, dust the interior with a little extra cheese and let it melt as it rests.
- Optionally return the assembled tree to the oven for 2–3 minutes to warm the filling and melt the cheese topping a touch more. Remove and let sit 2–3 minutes before slicing.
- Decorate with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, or roasted peppers to mimic ornaments. A final light sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 4 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
Keywords: savory puff pastry, christmas tree appetizer, holiday appetizer, spinach cheese pastry, gluten-free option, vegetarian