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ByRosemary
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These Savory Christmas Tree appetizers are made with only five ingredients including store bought puff pastry, cream cheese and salami. They are the perfect Holiday Appetizers and will be the first to go!
Simple Savory Christmas Trees are so easy to make and even better to eat. They were a big hit with family and friends. I love making these savory and mysweet puff pastry Christmas treesare quick and easy dessert treat also!
I am a big lover of Puff Pastry, I think it must be an Italian thing. Puff Pastry is easily available in all grocery stores in Italy and not just in the frozen section, but also in the refrigerator section, so no need to defrost, works for me. If you prefer you can also make your ownHomemade Puff Pastry, nothing like it!
Table of Contents
Recipe Ingredients
- Puff Pastry – store bought or homemade, if frozen then thawed
- Cream cheese – either cream cheese mousse or spreadable cream cheese
- Salami – thin slices or prosciutto or cooked ham
- Olives – green olives
- Cheese – hard cheese of choice
You will need 10 cubes of hard cheese, such as Swiss cheese, Cheddar or even Gruyere if you want to stand the trees up. I used cream cheese because I didn’t want a really melty cheese.
How To Make Savory Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
Roll out Puff Pastry (or defrost completely if frozen) lightly roll to smooth out. Spread with cream cheese mousse and top with salami slices, then slice into 9 or 10 strips lengthwise.
Fold the strips of dough accordion style, start with a small amount and widen as you go (until you reach the end).
Place a long skewer in the center starting at the base then through to the top of the tree. Place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Chill the trees while the oven is pre-heating.
Remove them from the fridge and bake until golden. If desired top each tree with a green olive and stick into a hard square of cheese or serve as is.
I have made my own Pastry and it turned out really well, very easy and delicious. But when you need something quick, store bought works great.
Recipe FAQs
Should I thaw puff pastry before baking?
Puff pastry typically comes frozen in the grocery store. Be sure to thaw completely before using in this recipe.
Do you bake puff pastry straight from the fridge?
If your puff pastry is completely thawed and chilled in the fridge, you can use it right away. If you need to roll it out a little with a rolling pin, it may be easier to let it rest for a few minutes after being chilled so it’s easier to roll out. Chill again after rolling it if it has become too softened to ensure proper cooking times.
What Happens If I Don’t Wash The Puff Pastry With Milk Before Baking?
They can get dried out in the oven without the milk wash.
Is egg or milk better for the pastry?
Egg and milk whisked together is often used on pastries to create a golden shiny crust. In this recipe, just milk is used. Using just milk creates a matte finish.
Can The Appetizers Be Made In Advance?
You can prepare the appetizers ahead of time. Freeze the unbaked crescents on a baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap. They will last for up to 1 month in the freezer. They can be baked straight from the freezer to the oven, they will probably need a couple of minutes extra for baking.
How Store The Stuffed Puff Pastry
Because puff pastry can become soggy it is probably best to eat them as soon as possible. Although if you do have leftovers be sure to refrigerate in an airtight container. They will keep for up 2-3 days in the fridge.
A couple of weeks ago I made theSweet Versionof these Christmas Trees so on a whim I decided to serve a savory copy cat Appetizer for lunch. If for some reason you don’t like puff pastry you can always use regular pie dough.
More Delicious Puff Pastry Appetizers!
- Puff Pastry Caprese Appetizers
- Easy Puff Pastry Pesto Pinwheels
- Tomato and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers
- Mushroom Puff Pastry Appetizers
If you are looking for an easy delicious appetizer this holiday season I hope you give these Savory Puff Pastry Christmas trees a try and of course let me know what you think. Buon Appetito!
Savory Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizers
Rosemary Molloy
Simple Savory Christmas Trees, a fast & easy delicious puff pastry appetizer made with cream cheese and salami or cold cut of choice.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Chilling Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course antipasto, Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 10 pastries
Calories 73 kcal
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Ingredients
- 1 roll puff pastry
- ¼-⅓ cup cream cheese mousse**
- 10-12 thin slices salami (or cold cut of choice)
- 10 green olives
- 10 large cubes of hard cheese
**if you can’t find cream cheese mousse then use softened cream cheese (make sure it’s spreadable).
Instructions
Roll out Puff Pastry (or defrost completely if frozen) lightly roll to smooth out. Spread with cream cheese mousse and top with salami slices, then slice into 9 or 10 strips lengthwise.
Fold the strips of dough accordion style, start with a small amount and widen as you go (until you reach the end).
Place a long skewer in the center starting at the base then through to the top of the tree. Place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
Pre-heat the oven to 350F/180C. Chill the puff pastry appetizers while the oven is pre-heating 15-20 minutes.
Remove the appetizers from the fridge and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until golden. If desired top each tree with a green olive and stick into a large hard square of cheese or serve as is.Enjoy!
Notes
You can prepare the appetizers ahead of time. Freeze the unbaked crescents on a baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap. They will last for up to 1 month in the freezer. They can be baked straight from the freezer to the oven, they will probably need a couple of minutes extra for baking.
Because puff pastry can become soggy it is probably best to eat them as soon as possible. Although if you do have leftovers be sure to refrigerate in an airtight container. They will keep for up 2-3 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
Calories: 73kcal | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 330mg | Potassium: 48mg | Vitamin A: 100IU | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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