Spinach, Feta and Cranberry Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe

Introduction

These Spinach, Feta, and Cranberry Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Flaky puff pastry encloses a savory and slightly tangy filling, decorated to resemble charming Christmas trees.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Unroll the puff pastry and cut into Christmas tree shapes using a cutter or template — you’ll need two pieces per tree.
3. Step 3: Spread the chopped spinach, crumbled feta, and chopped dried cranberries onto one tree cutout, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Step 4: Place the second tree cutout on top and press the edges to seal. You can twist the trunk area for a decorative effect if desired.
5. Step 5: Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds if using.
6. Step 6: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
7. Step 7: Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, substitute spinach with baby kale or Swiss chard.
• Add a touch of honey or balsamic glaze on top after baking for extra sweetness.
• Use a mix of cheeses like goat cheese with feta for creaminess.
• Ensure the edges are well sealed to prevent filling from leaking during baking.

Storage

Store leftover puff pastry trees in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness. They can also be served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these Christmas trees ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the filled trees and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add the egg wash and seeds right before baking.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Fresh spinach is best for texture, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing into the filling.

Spinach, Feta and Cranberry Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 145 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 30-33 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 Christmas tree pastries 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Spinach, Feta, and Cranberry Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are festive, savory treats perfect for holiday gatherings. Flaky puff pastry is filled with a delightful mixture of fresh spinach, salty feta cheese, and sweet dried cranberries, then baked to golden perfection and shaped like charming Christmas trees. They’re easy to prepare and make an impressive appetizer or snack for the season.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Filling

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped

Topping

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cut Puff Pastry Shapes: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet and use a Christmas tree-shaped cutter or template to cut out tree shapes. You’ll need two identical pieces per tree to create the filled pastry.
3. Add Filling: Place one tree cutout on your work surface and evenly spread the chopped spinach, crumbled feta, and chopped cranberries on top, leaving a border around the edges to seal properly.
4. Seal the Trees: Place the second tree cutout over the filling. Press the edges firmly to seal the filling inside. For an added festive touch, twist the trunk section of the tree if desired.
5. Apply Egg Wash and Toppings: Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to promote browning. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds, if using, for added flavor and decoration.
6. Bake: Transfer the prepared pastries onto the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the pastries to cool for a few minutes after baking. Serve warm or at room temperature as a festive appetizer or snack.

Notes

• You can make these ahead of time and bake just before serving to keep them fresh and flaky.
• Substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
• Make sure the puff pastry is thoroughly thawed to avoid cracking when cutting and sealing.
• Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean edges if you don’t have a cookie cutter.
• These pastries can be frozen unbaked; just thaw and bake when needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Western

Keywords: Spinach puff pastry, Feta pastry, Christmas appetizer, Holiday snacks, Puff pastry trees, Festive appetizers