This Pastry Christmas Tree is one of those holiday appetizers that instantly steals the spotlight. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and shaped like a festive Christmas tree, it’s the perfect savory centerpiece for your holiday table.
Made with puff pastry balls stuffed with sausage and cheese, then baked until golden and fragrant, this recipe is easy to assemble, fun to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast. It’s ideal for Christmas parties, aperitivo spreads, or buffet-style dinners.
What Is a Pastry Christmas Tree?
A pastry Christmas tree is a festive appetizer made by arranging stuffed puff pastry bites in the shape of a tree. Each bite hides a savory filling — in this case, sausage and cheese — and the whole dish is baked until crisp and golden.
The final result is interactive, shareable, and visually striking, making it perfect for holiday entertaining.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
- Festive and eye-catching: Perfect for Christmas tables and parties
- Crispy and melty: Puff pastry with a rich, savory filling
- Easy to assemble: No complicated shaping required
- Customizable: Endless filling variations
- Perfect for sharing: Everyone can pull off a bite
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the pastry Christmas tree ahead of time?
You can assemble it a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bake just before serving for maximum crispiness.
Can I change the filling?
Absolutely! Try ham and cheese, spinach and ricotta, mushrooms, or even a vegetarian sausage.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Seal the pastry edges tightly and avoid placing the cheese too close to the seams.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love both the shape and the cheesy filling.
Can I make individual portions instead of a tree?
Yes — bake the stuffed balls separately for easy finger food.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
How to Freeze
Freeze the unbaked stuffed pastry balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Ingredients
How to Make a Pastry Christmas Tree
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Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into evenly sized squares. The size will depend on how big you want the stuffed bites to be.
Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into evenly sized squares. The size will depend on how big you want the stuffed bites to be.
Place a small ball of sausage and a cube of cheese in the center of each square.
Wrap the pastry around the filling and gently roll it into a ball, sealing the edges well.
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Place a small ball of sausage and a cube of cheese in the center of each square.
Wrap the pastry around the filling and gently roll it into a ball, sealing the edges well.
Arrange the pastry balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, forming the shape of a Christmas tree. Place them close together so they bake into a cohesive shape.
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Arrange the pastry balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, forming the shape of a Christmas tree. Place them close together so they bake into a cohesive shape.
Beat the egg and brush it over the pastry balls.
Sprinkle with rosemary, oregano, and sesame seeds for extra aroma and crunch.
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Beat the egg and brush it over the pastry balls.
Sprinkle with rosemary, oregano, and sesame seeds for extra aroma and crunch.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (360°F) for 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Serve warm and enjoy!
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