Puff pastry Christmas tree with cheese (pull-apart)
Prep: 20 min · Cook: 18 min · Makes: 1 large tree (6-8 children) · For:
This puff pastry Christmas tree is the easiest party showpiece you will ever make. Two sheets of ready-made pastry, a layer of cheese, a few cuts and twists, and twenty minutes later there is a golden tree on the table that everyone can pull apart.
More easy party food for children
- Cheese straws: twist the offcuts into spirals and bake them alongside.
- Sausage roll wreath: arrange mini sausage rolls in a ring with cherry tomatoes and herbs.
- Star sandwiches: cut sandwiches with a star cutter.
Tips
- Keep the pastry cold until you use it; it is easier to cut and puffs up better.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza wheel for clean strips.
Little helpers
Children can spread the filling, sprinkle the cheese and twist the branches. A grown-up cuts the pastry.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets of frozen puff pastry (one 17 oz box), thawed in the fridge
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened, or 3 tbsp pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- tomato sauce or a yogurt dip, for dipping
Method
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll one sheet of pastry on the paper. Spread it with the cream cheese, leaving a thin border, and scatter over the grated cheese.
- Lay the second sheet on top and press down gently. With a sharp knife, cut out a large triangle (the tree) and a small rectangle at the bottom for the trunk. Bake the offcuts as cheese straws.
- Cut horizontal strips about ¾ inch wide into both sides of the triangle, leaving a strip of about ¾ inch in the middle uncut as the tree's trunk.
- Twist each strip two or three times so they look like branches.
- Brush the tree with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cut a small star from the scraps for the top.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until puffed and deep golden. Let it cool for a few minutes, then let everyone pull off a branch to dip in sauce.
Questions
Can I make it ahead?
Assemble it up to 4 hours ahead and keep it in the fridge, then brush with egg and bake just before serving. It is best warm.
Are there sweet versions?
Yes. Spread it with chocolate spread or cinnamon sugar and butter instead of cheese, and dust with powdered sugar after baking.
You might also like
