Festive puff pastry bites shaped as Christmas trees with melted cheese, cherry tomatoes, and olives.
# What You'll Need:
→ Puff Pastry
01 - 1 sheet (8.8 oz) ready-rolled puff pastry, thawed if frozen
→ Sauce
02 - 3 tablespoons pizza sauce or marinara sauce
→ Cheese
03 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (3.5 oz)
04 - 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (1 oz)
→ Vegetables & Toppings
05 - 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 8 black olives, pitted and sliced
07 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Seasonings
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Set the oven temperature to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry and cut into 16 Christmas tree shapes using a cookie cutter or cut into triangles to mimic trees.
03 - Place the shaped pastry pieces evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each pastry tree, leaving a small border around the edges.
05 - Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan over the sauce-covered pastry.
06 - Top each tree with halved cherry tomatoes and olive slices to resemble ornaments.
07 - Sprinkle dried oregano and freshly ground black pepper over the topped pastry trees.
08 - Brush exposed pastry edges lightly with olive oil to ensure a golden crust.
09 - Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, until pastry is puffed and golden and cheese has melted.
10 - Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.
