Mediterranean Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
These puff pastry Christmas trees are crisp, golden and filled with warm Mediterranean flavors. They look festive on any holiday table and take very little effort. The combination of flaky pastry, melty cheese and herb seasoning makes them perfect as a snack, appetizer or a fun side dish. You can serve them with marinara, pesto or even a simple yogurt dip. They’re easy enough for a weekday and stylish enough for a Christmas party, which makes them a great go-to recipe during the holiday rush.
Total time: 30–35 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Makes: 12–14 pastry trees
Ingredients
For the Christmas trees
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
1½ cups shredded mozzarella
½ cup shredded cheddar or feta
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Optional dips
Marinara
Basil pesto
Garlic yogurt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lay the first pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
Mix the mozzarella, cheddar or feta, Parmesan, oregano, basil, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the first sheet.
Place the second sheet of pastry on top and press gently so it sticks.
Cut the layered pastry into long strips about one inch wide.
Shape each strip into a zigzag or tree shape and insert a wooden skewer if you want them on sticks.
Transfer the shaped pastries to the baking sheet.
Brush lightly with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until crisp, puffed and deep golden.
Tips
Keep the pastry cold until you’re ready to assemble; warm pastry becomes hard to shape.
Press the top sheet gently so it adheres without flattening the layers too much.
When cutting strips, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean edges.
Don’t overload the cheese. Extra filling can leak out and burn.
If the pastry stretches while shaping, chill the strips for five minutes before baking.
Add a sprinkle of sesame or nigella seeds on top for a Mediterranean touch.
If using feta, crumble it very small so the layers stay even.
Pat dry any wet cheeses to keep the pastry from getting soggy.
For extra crispness, place the pastries on the upper rack during the last five minutes.
Let them cool for a couple minutes before lifting; they firm up as they rest.
Variations
Spinach and feta: Add a thin layer of chopped sautéed spinach to the cheese mix.
Herby pesto: Spread a thin coat of basil pesto between the sheets instead of dry herbs.
Olive tapenade: Use a small amount of tapenade for a salty, savory twist.
Tomato-basil: Add a spoon of sun-dried tomato paste to the filling.
Chili kick: Mix red pepper flakes into the cheese for a spicy version.
Four-cheese: Blend mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan and feta.
Za’atar: Replace the herb mix with za’atar for a warm, earthy flavor.
Garlic butter: Brush the inside of the pastry with garlic butter before adding cheese.
Mini trees: Cut thinner strips for bite-sized appetizers.
Sweet-savory: Add a tiny drizzle of honey with feta for a Greek-inspired flavor.
Q&A
Can I make them ahead? Yes. Assemble and refrigerate them unbaked for up to a day. Bake when ready.
Can I freeze them? Freeze unbaked trees on a tray, then store in a bag. Bake from frozen.
Can I use store-bought pesto? Absolutely. Use a thin layer so it doesn’t leak.
Why did mine spread too much? The pastry may have been too warm. Chill the shaped strips before baking.
What cheese melts best? Mozzarella gives the best stretch, while cheddar adds sharper flavor.
Can I skip the skewer? Yes. They hold their shape without it.
Can I make them dairy-free? Use plant-based cheese that melts well and skip the egg wash.
Do I need two sheets? Yes. The layering helps the trees puff evenly.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for crispness.
What can I serve with them? Marinara, pesto, garlic yogurt or even a simple olive oil dip.
Nutrition
(per pastry, approx.)
Calories: 190
Protein: 7g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 260mg
Conclusion
These Mediterranean cheese puff pastry Christmas trees are simple to prepare, visually festive and full of warm flavors. The herbs and cheeses melt into the flaky layers, turning basic puff pastry into a holiday snack that feels comforting and fun. They work as appetizers, party bites or even a light side dish. You can personalize them with pesto, feta, olives or spices, and they hold up well for gatherings because they taste great warm or at room temperature. With minimal prep and a short baking time, this recipe brings a touch of Mediterranean flavor to your Christmas table without any stress. If you’d like, I can also create a full holiday menu that includes this dish.