These Christmas Tree Cheese Bites are the kind of festive nibble that disappears fast. Flaky puff pastry, a creamy herbed cheese filling, and a little sparkle on top make them a joyful party plate. They look fancy but come together with simple steps you can prep ahead.
Christmas Tree Cheese Bites
Equipment
- 2 Baking Sheet lined with parchment
- 2 Parchment Paper for lining pans
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- 1 Fork for crimping
- 1 Pastry Brush for egg wash
Ingredients
Cheese Bites
- 2 sheets puff pastry keep chilled
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or blend
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg beaten, for egg wash
- 2 tsp everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds or grated Parmesan
For serving (optional)
- 1 cup marinara sauce warmed
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 0.5 cup honey mustard
- 24 sticks pretzel sticks optional, for trunks
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment. Keep puff pastry chilled until using for the best puff.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, parsley, chives, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Unfold one pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut long strips about 2 inches wide, then cut each strip into small triangles to mimic trees. Repeat with the second sheet to make matching tops and bottoms.
- Place half the triangles on prepared sheets. Add a small dollop of filling in the center, leaving a border. Top with remaining triangles and press edges to seal. Crimp gently with a fork.
- Brush tops with beaten egg (or milk). Sprinkle with everything seasoning, sesame seeds, or Parmesan. Cut a tiny vent on top to let steam escape.
- Bake 12 to 16 minutes, until puffed and deep golden. Cool 5 minutes. If using pretzel sticks for trunks, gently insert one into the base of each tree just before serving.
- Arrange on a platter with bowls of warm marinara, cranberry sauce, or honey mustard. Enjoy while warm and flaky.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Cheese Bites
- Festive and fun to eat, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Simple ingredients with big flavor and golden, flaky layers.
- Easy to make ahead and bake off just before guests arrive.
- Adorable tree shape that kids and adults both love.
Christmas Tree Cheese Bites Ingredients & Substitutions
- Puff pastry sheets: Store-bought works great; keep chilled until using. Use a plant-based pastry if you prefer a dairy-free dough.
- Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing. Neufchâtel also works.
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for melt and flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley and chives are classic; dill or thyme are tasty swaps.
- Garlic: Minced or garlic powder for a gentle bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste.
- Egg: For egg wash to help the tops turn glossy and golden. Milk or cream works as a brush-on alternative.
- Everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds: For crunch and a pretty finish. Poppy seeds or grated Parmesan are nice too.
- Pretzel sticks: Optional trunks you can add after baking for a cute look.
- Optional dips: Warm marinara, cranberry sauce, or honey mustard.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Christmas Tree Cheese Bites
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Heat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment. Keep puff pastry in the fridge until the moment you need it so it stays cold and puffs well.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, stir cream cheese, shredded cheese, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 3: Shape the Trees
Unfold one sheet of pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut long strips about 2 inches wide, then cut each strip into triangles to mimic little trees. Repeat with the second sheet for matching tops and bottoms.
Step 4: Fill and Seal
Place half the triangles on the prepared sheets. Add a small dollop of filling in the center of each, leaving a border. Top with the remaining triangles and press edges to seal. Crimp gently with a fork for a tight seal.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Sprinkle
Brush tops with beaten egg or milk. Sprinkle with everything seasoning, sesame seeds, or Parmesan. Use the tip of a knife to make a tiny vent on top so steam escapes.
Step 6: Bake to Golden
Bake 12 to 16 minutes, until puffed and deep golden. Cool 5 minutes. If using pretzel sticks for trunks, gently insert one into the base of each tree just before serving.
Step 7: Serve
Arrange on a platter with small bowls of warm marinara, cranberry sauce, or honey mustard. Enjoy while warm and flaky.
Tips for Success
- Keep pastry cold and the oven hot for maximum puff.
- Do not overfill; a little filling goes a long way and keeps edges sealed.
- Work in batches if the dough softens; pop trays into the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.
- Use a light hand with the egg wash for even browning without sogginess.
- Insert pretzel trunks after baking so they stay crisp.
Variations of Christmas Tree Cheese Bites
- Spinach and Herb: Stir finely chopped thawed spinach into the cream cheese.
- Pesto Swirl: Spread a thin layer of pesto under the cheese filling.
- Jalapeño Popper: Add minced jalapeño and a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Turkey Bacon and Chive: Fold in finely chopped cooked turkey bacon and extra chives.
- Sweet Heat: Brush baked trees with a touch of warm honey or hot honey.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Christmas Tree Cheese Bites
- Set out with a bright cranberry relish, warm marinara, or herb yogurt dip.
- Pair with a board of fresh veggies, olives, and crisp crackers.
- Offer sparkling water with citrus or chilled sparkling grape juice for a festive sip.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat at 350°F on a sheet pan for 8 to 10 minutes until crisp and warm.
- Freeze unbaked trees on a tray until solid, then store in a bag up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes.
Memories Made Around the Table
Every year I set a plate of these on the coffee table, and before the lights are even plugged in, a few trees mysteriously vanish. Warm, flaky, and cheesy has a way of bringing everyone close.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead?
Yes. Assemble and freeze unbaked on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
How do I keep the edges from opening?
Use a light touch of water around the border before sealing, crimp with a fork, and avoid overfilling.
Can I air fry these?
Yes. Air fry at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until puffed and golden, working in batches.
What if I do not have everything bagel seasoning?
Use sesame seeds, poppy seeds, grated Parmesan, or a pinch of flaky salt.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Tree Cheese Bites bring festive charm without any fuss. Make a batch, pour something bubbly, and let the cozy sparkle begin.