Cheese Twist Holiday Tree

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Cheese Twist Holiday Tree.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 425°F (220°C) and prepare two baking sheets with silicone liners, like Silpat, to ensure easy cleanup.

2. Step 2

   On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry into a lovely 14-inch square, sprinkling a bit of flour as needed to keep it from sticking.

3. Step 3

   Now, let’s get creative! Cut the pastry from the bottom corners up to the center top to form a triangle.

4. Step 4

   Place this triangle on one of your prepared baking sheets and pop it in the fridge to chill while you work on the next step.

5. Step 5

   For the remaining pastry, overlap the long edges of the two pieces by about half an inch to create a second triangle.

6. Step 6

   Give it a gentle roll to flatten it out a bit, then chill it on the second baking sheet until you’re ready to use it.

7. Step 7

   Now, take that first triangle out of the fridge.

8. Step 8

   Carefully lift the silicone liner with the pastry and place it on your counter.

9. Step 9

   Trim about 1.

10. Step 10

    5 inches off the bottom of the triangle, and from that strip, cut a 2-inch piece to create a trunk, tucking it under the triangle for a festive touch.

11. Step 11

    Spread most of your delicious pesto sauce over the triangle, leaving a little border of about a quarter inch around the edges.

12. Step 12

    Grate a generous amount of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the pesto, adding a rich, savory flavor.

13. Step 13

    Next, take your second pastry triangle and place it on top, stretching it to fit.

14. Step 14

    Trim any excess dough and gently press the edges together to seal in all that goodness.

15. Step 15

    Now comes the fun part! Using a pizza wheel, cut ¾-inch horizontal strips on one side of the tree, starting from the outer edge and stopping about a quarter to half an inch from the center to keep the trunk intact.

16. Step 16

    Repeat this on the other side, making sure the cuts align beautifully.

17. Step 17

    Gently lift each strip and give it a twist three to four times.

18. Step 18

    For the shorter strips near the top, twist them as much as you can, but don’t stress if the very top strips don’t twist perfectly.

19. Step 19

    It’s all about that charming, rustic look! Brush any remaining pesto over the center of the tree and any areas that could use a little extra flavor.

20. Step 20

    Carefully transfer the silicone liner back onto the baking sheet, and don’t forget to grate the remaining cheese over the top for that irresistible cheesy crust.

21. Step 21

    Now, it’s time to bake! Place your creation in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and fully cooked.

22. Step 22

    Keep an eye on it to avoid undercooking; you want that perfect flaky texture.

23. Step 23

    Once it’s baked to perfection, transfer your beautiful tree to a wire rack and let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving.

24. Step 24

    This delightful dish is sure to impress your guests and make your holiday gathering even more special! Enjoy every delicious bite!.