Flaky puff pastry bites topped with cheese, tomato, and herbs make a festive and savory holiday treat.
# Components:
→ Puff Pastry
01 - 1 sheet (approx. 8.8 oz) ready-rolled puff pastry, thawed
→ Sauce
02 - 3 tablespoons pizza or marinara sauce
→ Cheese
03 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (approx. 3.5 oz)
04 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (approx. 1 oz)
→ Vegetables & Toppings
05 - 8 halved cherry tomatoes
06 - 8 pitted and sliced black olives
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
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 16 Christmas tree shapes using a cookie cutter or cut triangular shapes.
03 - Place the pastry trees onto the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each pastry tree, leaving a small border at the edges.
05 - Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the sauce on each pastry.
06 - Arrange halved cherry tomatoes and olive slices on top to mimic holiday ornaments.
07 - Sprinkle dried oregano and freshly ground black pepper over each pastry.
08 - Lightly brush the exposed edges of the pastry with olive oil to ensure a golden finish when baked.
09 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until the pastry is puffed, golden, and cheese is fully melted.
10 - Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, then garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.
