Mediterranean Bite-Sized Christmas Tree Appetizers
Mediterranean Bite-Sized Christmas Tree Appetizers are a festive, colorful way to bring holiday cheer to your table. These little edible “trees” are built from flaky pastry layers, creamy cheeses, and bright Mediterranean toppings like pesto, olives, roasted red peppers, and cherry tomatoes. They look impressive on a platter but are surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home, they deliver crisp, creamy, salty, and herby flavors in every bite while adding instant holiday charm to your spread.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: Makes about 24 bite-sized trees
Ingredients
Base and filling:
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup basil pesto
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Toppings and decoration:
1/3 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/3 cup finely chopped kalamata olives
1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional extras:
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Extra pesto for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out one sheet of puff pastry to smooth the creases.
Spread an even layer of pesto over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
Sprinkle mozzarella and feta evenly over the pesto.
Place the second puff pastry sheet on top like a sandwich and gently press down.
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the pastry into long strips about 1 inch wide.
Cut each strip into smaller sections and shape them into zigzag tree shapes by alternating folds.
Place the shaped “trees” on the prepared baking sheets and brush them lightly with egg wash.
Sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and diced red bell pepper over the trees for colorful decoration.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until puffed and golden, then garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Tips
Keep the puff pastry cold until ready to use for the flakiest layers.
Use a very sharp knife to make clean cuts without squashing the pastry.
Do not overload the filling or the pastry will be hard to shape.
Press toppings gently into the pastry so they stay in place.
Chill the shaped trees for 10 minutes before baking if the pastry feels too soft.
Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even browning.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Add a tiny star of cheese at the top of each tree for extra decoration.
Serve slightly warm for the best flavor and texture.
Double the recipe easily for large holiday gatherings.
Variations
Use tomato tapenade instead of pesto for a deeper savory base.
Swap mozzarella for grated provolone or fontina cheese.
Add thin slices of salami or prosciutto for a meaty version.
Make a spicy version with harissa paste mixed into the pesto.
Use puff pastry made from whole wheat for a heartier bite.
Create a sweet version with Nutella and crushed hazelnuts.
Add caramelized onions for a richer flavor profile.
Use different colored peppers to make rainbow-style trees.
Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top for extra crunch.
Add a drizzle of hot honey after baking for a sweet-heat finish.
Q&A
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can shape them ahead and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.
How do I keep them crispy?
Bake them just before serving and avoid covering them while hot.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze unbaked shaped trees and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
You can use crescent roll dough as an alternative.
Are these vegetarian?
Yes, as written they are fully vegetarian.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free puff pastry if available.
How big should the trees be?
About 2 to 3 inches tall works perfectly for bite-sized appetizers.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, high-quality store-bought pesto works very well.
What dip goes well with these?
Marinara or creamy garlic dip pairs beautifully.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat briefly in the oven.
Nutrition
(Per Serving, Approximate, 2 Trees)
Calories: 160 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 210 mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Bite-Sized Christmas Tree Appetizers are a festive, flavorful way to dress up any holiday table. With flaky pastry, creamy cheeses, and bright Mediterranean toppings, they deliver both visual charm and bold taste in every bite. They are easy enough for home cooks to prepare and impressive enough to serve at special gatherings, making them a reliable go-to recipe for Christmas entertaining year after year.