🎶 Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree…. your taste is so amazing 🎶 Real talk, how beautiful is this puff pastry Christmas tree layered with fig jam and sliced brie? Frozen puff pastry is easily one of the GOAT ingredients for party planning since you can pull off impressive dishes like this with minimal effort. This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, depending on how long it takes you to shape your tree.
I used this sliced brie from Ile de France cheese, and paired it with fig jam since the sweetness pairs so wonderfully with buttery brie, but you can totally customize this with any spread you want to use. You could even make this as a dessert by using Nutella or dulce de leche, or dust the tree with cinnamon sugar to make a churro-esque Christmas tree.
After you choose your fillings, you simply have to layer your spread and any cheeses or toppings in between two sheets of puff pastry, then cut out the shape and make these “twists” on both sides to form the branches. This turns the tree into a pull-apart appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. It bakes in just 15-20 minutes, so it can be ready as a last minute starter. You can also use puff pastry to make a festive snowflake. Give it a try and tag me if you make this for your next holiday gathering!
Puff Pastry Christmas Tree (Savory OR Sweet!)
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 4-5 tbsp your choice of savory or sweet spread (like fig jam, cranberry sauce, pesto, or Nutella)
- 6 thin slices of Brie or other thinly sliced cheese (optional)
- 1 egg beaten with a splash of water or milk
- Fresh thyme or powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F/200C
- If you’re puff pastry is frozen, lay it flat on a cutting board at room temperature to thaw for 10-15 minutes
- Lay the puff pastry on a silicon mat- or parchment paper-lined baking sheet and use a rolling pin or pastry roller to roll each one out into a rectangular shape. Lay one of the sheets flat on a cutting board while you work on the other sheet.
- Cover the puff pastry that’s on the baking sheet with a thin layer of your chosen spread, then layer on the slices of cheese if using.
- Lay the second puff pastry sheet on top, lining up the edges. Then use a knife to cut out a trunk and the outer triangle to form your tree. You can use the back of your knife to first trace the shape before you commit.
- Cut out the branches by first using the back of your knife to trace the shape of the tree trunk, then cut lines about 1/2 inch apart from the trunk out to the end to create the branches on both sides. You can use the excess puff pastry to cut out a star for the top of the tree, or cut long rectangles and twist them to make puff pastry twists to snack on.
- Take each branch and twist it upward to create the twists on the tree.
- Brush the entire surface with egg wash, then bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve.
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