One of the things we really enjoy about the holiday season is the opportunity to create adorable and tasty dishes for our family to enjoy together. Last year, we made a delightful pull-apart Christmas tree appetizer that was a hit. However, this year, we’ve decided to switch things up a bit and try our hand at crafting smaller savory Christmas tree appetizers.
The best part about these little treats is that each one has a cheese star on top, which makes them even more fun and delicious for everyone to savor. It’s a simple yet delightful way to add some festive cheer to our holiday gatherings.
What’s truly remarkable about these Christmas tree appetizers is their simplicity. With just four basic ingredients and minimal time required, they make for a hassle-free and quick addition to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 Roll of Puff Pastry Sheet
- 3-4 Tablespoons of Cream Cheese
- 1 Tablespoon of Vegetable Mix (in stores or Amazon, link here)
- Cheese of your choice for the stars (I used white cheddar)
- Skewers (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F / 200°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the cream cheese and vegetable mix.
- Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto the parchment paper and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over it.
- Use a knife or cutting wheel to cut the pastry into approximately one-inch strips.
- If the pastry is too soft to shape into tree-like ribbons, you can place it in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to make it easier to work with. Begin by folding the bottom toward the top of the “tree” with smaller and smaller folds.
- If you’re using skewers, you can pierce them through the tree shapes, or leave the trees as they are.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes or until they turn nicely golden.
- Allow the pastry trees to cool for at least 5 minutes, then place the cheese stars on top.
- Serve these adorable appetizers at your favorite holiday event.
The ease of putting them together means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities with your loved ones. It’s a straightforward and practical way to bring some festive flair to your holiday spread without any unnecessary fuss.
About the cheese stars
Certainly, it’s evident that using thicker cheese makes the process of piercing the stars onto the skewer much simpler. I learned this through trial and error, as I initially tried stacking thinner cheese slices, which ended up being a bit tricky.
So, I’d like to share this tip to save you some valuable time and effort. Instead of opting for thin slices of cheese, consider purchasing thicker cheese slices or a solid cheese block that you can easily work with to form these stars. It’s a small adjustment that can make a big difference in the ease of preparing your Christmas tree appetizers, allowing you to create a charming and delicious holiday treat without any unnecessary frustration.
ABOUT THE TIME IN THE OVEN
When I initially baked these Christmas tree appetizers, I relied on my cooking instincts and some rough time estimates, but I ended up with trees that were a tad too brown, and sadly, a few skewers were slightly burned, making them less visually appealing on the table. As a result, I’ve made an adjustment to the baking time in the instructions to help ensure better results.
However, it’s worth noting that every oven behaves a little differently, even if they indicate the same temperature setting. Some ovens may have hot spots or variations in heating, which can affect how quickly your appetizers bake. Since these Christmas appetizers spend a relatively short time in the oven, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on them, especially as you approach the 6-minute mark of baking. This way, you can gauge the level of browning and make sure they come out just right. It’s a simple precaution that can make a significant difference in the final presentation of your delicious holiday treats.
About the Ribbon-Like Shapes
As I mentioned earlier, when I first set out to create these charming Christmas tree appetizers, I encountered a bit of a challenge with the dough. It turned out to be softer than I had anticipated, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I had taken it out of the fridge a tad too early. It was on my third attempt at shaping these treats that I realized they weren’t shaping up as beautifully as I had envisioned, particularly when it came to achieving that desired ribbon-like appearance.
In an effort to salvage my appetizers and make them look as appealing as possible, I decided to take a detour. While I was multitasking in the kitchen, doing a bit of cleaning up, I placed the pastry strips in the freezer for approximately ten minutes. When I retrieved them from the freezer, the dough had firmed up just right, becoming much more manageable, allowing me to effortlessly craft those cute ribbon-shaped trees that I had originally envisioned. It was a simple and effective solution that turned my initial struggle into a smooth and enjoyable process, resulting in appetizers that not only tasted great but also looked charming on the holiday table.
If you are into heat
For those who appreciate a little heat in their food, you’re in luck! In our household, we’re big fans of spicy flavors, and if you’re making these Christmas tree appetizers primarily for adults or fellow spice enthusiasts, there are some simple ways to turn up the heat.
One option is to consider using pepper jack cheese instead of your regular cheese choice. Its natural spiciness can add a pleasant kick to the appetizers without requiring any additional effort. Alternatively, if you want to take it up a notch, you can introduce some crushed red pepper flakes into the cream cheese mixture. By making these adjustments, you can cater to a more adventurous palate and offer a delicious twist on the classic Christmas tree appetizers.
These savory Christmas tree appetizers are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. They’re easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of baking time. While the instructions provide a general guideline for baking, it’s important to keep an eye on them as ovens can vary. The key is to strike the right balance between achieving a nice golden color and avoiding any excessive browning. With their charming appearance and cheesy stars on top, these appetizers are sure to bring a festive touch to your holiday table while satisfying everyone’s taste buds. Enjoy sharing them with your loved ones during this special time of the year.
We hope you enjoyed making and savoring these delightful Christmas tree appetizers! Your feedback and engagement mean a lot to us, and we’re eager to hear all about your experience with this recipe. Whether you want to share photos of your creations, leave comments about how it turned out, ask any questions you might have, or offer your valuable suggestions, we’re all ears! Please feel free to utilize the comment section below to connect with us and share your thoughts.
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