Best 8 Pesto Cream Cheese Tree Recipes

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The pesto cream cheese tree is a festive and delicious appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with a combination of cream cheese, pesto, and chopped nuts, and is then shaped into a tree. The tree can be decorated with a variety of items, such as cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or even small ornaments. This recipe is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering.

Let's cook with our recipes!

PESTO CREAM CHEESE TREE



Pesto Cream Cheese Tree image

Whip up a tasty Pesto Cream Cheese Tree for a festive holiday event appetizer from My Food and Family. Mold your pesto cream cheese into a tree shape and top it with sliced almonds and red peppers to look like tree ornaments.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Festive 2019

Time 1h20m

Yield 10 servings, about 2 Tbsp. each

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup KRAFT Shredded Italian* Five Cheese Blend
2 Tbsp. pesto
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted, divided
1 Tbsp. chopped red peppers
fresh Italian parsley leaves

Steps:

  • Mix cream cheese, shredded cheese and pesto until blended.
  • Refrigerate 1 hour.
  • Shape cream cheese mixture into 1-inch-high Christmas tree-shape on serving plate.
  • Reserve 5 nuts for later use. Press remaining nuts onto sides of tree.
  • Decorate with reserved nuts and remaining ingredients as shown in photo.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 130, Fat 12 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Sodium 160 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 0.6326 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 4 g

PHILADELPHIA PESTO-CREAM CHEESE CHRISTMAS TREE



PHILADELPHIA Pesto-Cream Cheese Christmas Tree image

Try this cream cheese Christmas tree recipe for a simple yet delicious appetizer idea. Pesto creates a Christmas tree look while red peppers pose as ornaments. Serve this PHILADELPHIA Pesto-Cream Cheese Christmas Tree with crackers.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 8 servings,

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese
1/4 cup CLASSICO Traditional Basil Pesto Sauce and Spread
1 Tbsp. chopped red peppers
cinnamon stick

Steps:

  • Cut block of cream cheese diagonally in half. Place triangles together to resemble Christmas tree on serving plate. Cover with pesto.
  • Add peppers for the tree ornaments. Insert cinnamon stick at base of triangle for the tree trunk.
  • Serve as a spread for assorted crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 130, Fat 13 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, TransFat 0.5 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Sodium 180 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 0 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 2 g

PESTO CREAM CHEESE SPREAD



Pesto Cream Cheese Spread image

This is a wonderful spread to take to a finger food fellowship or potluck. Serve with veggies or crackers. Prep time does not include set up time in refrigerator

Provided by Chef Buggsy Mate

Categories     Spreads

Time 30m

Yield 1 1/2 cup, 20-25 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup pesto sauce
3 tablespoons olive oil
assorted cracker
raw vegetables

Steps:

  • Line a 5-3/4x3" loaf pan with plastic wrap.
  • In a small bowl, combine cream cheese and garlic powder until well blended; set aside.
  • In a bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, butter and pesto sauce until blended.
  • Gradually stir in olive oil.
  • Spread about 1/4 cup cream cheese mixture into prepared pan.
  • Carefully spread with 1/3 pesto mixture.
  • Repeat layers twice.
  • Top with remaining cream cheese mixture.
  • Cover and refrigerate at least 5 hours.
  • Un-mold; serve with crackers and veggies.
  • NOTE: to get nice layers refrigerate first cream cheese layer until firm then top with even layer of pesto mix. Refrigerate after each layer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 80, Fat 8.2, SaturatedFat 4.2, Cholesterol 18.5, Sodium 71.3, Carbohydrate 0.4, Protein 1.5

PESTO CREAM CHEESE SPREAD



Pesto Cream Cheese Spread image

This is a terrific appetizer to serve when hosting an Italian-theme-meal. People may be a little hesitant to try it, but once they dip in, they won't be able to stop! -Cynthia Emshoff, Sarasota, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 15m

Yield about 1-1/2 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
3 tablespoons olive oil
Assorted crackers

Steps:

  • Line a 5-3/4x3x2-in. loaf pan with plastic wrap. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese and garlic powder until blended; set aside. In another small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, butter, parsley, garlic, basil and marjoram until blended. Stir in walnuts. Gradually stir in oil., Spread about 1/4 cup cream cheese mixture in prepared pan. Carefully spread with a third of the Parmesan mixture. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining cream cheese mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 hours. Unmold; serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts :

LAYERED PESTO CHEESE SPREAD



Layered Pesto Cheese Spread image

Guests won't be able to pass up this unique spread. In fact, the pesto and cheese combination will have them coming back for more! -Denise Hruz, Germantown, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 20m

Yield 2-1/2 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 jar (3-1/2 ounces) prepared pesto
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
Assorted crackers or baked pita chips

Steps:

  • Line a 3-cup bowl with plastic wrap; set aside. , In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. In another bowl, combine pesto and Parmesan cheese. Layer half of the cream cheese mixture, pesto mixture and sun-dried tomatoes in prepared bowl. Repeat layers. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour., Unmold onto a serving plate. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 116 calories, Fat 12g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 129mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.

PESTO CREAM CHEESE DIP



Pesto Cream Cheese Dip image

Quick and easy! 2 ingredients + 25 minutes = yummy. You may use pre-made pesto from the store, or you can make your own (preferred) using one of the recipes on this site; try the one titled 'Easy Pesto'. A great new way to use all that basil in the garden! Serve with toasted slices of French bread.

Provided by lil deb

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Dips and Spreads Recipes     Cheese Dips and Spreads Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 2

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
⅔ cup basil pesto

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Spread cream cheese evenly in the bottom of an 8-inch round baking dish. Layer pesto evenly over cream cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 402.1 calories, Carbohydrate 4.2 g, Cholesterol 74.9 mg, Fat 38.5 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 11.7 g, SaturatedFat 17.4 g, Sodium 483.1 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

CHEESE TWIST CHRISTMAS TREE



Cheese Twist Christmas Tree image

Wow the guests at your next holiday party with this delicious, pull-apart Christmas tree appetizer. The combination of crispy, buttery, flaky puff pastry wrapped around cheese and pesto is a stellar combination. Serve as-is or alongside some spicy tomato sauce for dipping.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Christmas Appetizers

Time 1h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 (14 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour, or as needed
⅓ cup prepared pesto sauce, divided
2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with a silicone liner (such as Silpat®).
  • Roll pastry into a 14-inch square, sprinkling with flour if necessary.
  • Cut from the bottom corners up to the center top to make a triangle. Place the triangle on a prepared baking sheet and place in the refrigerator.
  • Overlap the long edges of the 2 remaining pieces of pastry by about ½ inch to form a second triangle. Roll to flatten slightly. Place on the second prepared baking sheet and chill until needed.
  • Remove the first triangle from the refrigerator. Lift the silicone liner and pastry off the pan and onto the counter. Trim about 1 ½ inches off the bottom of the triangle and cut a 2-inch piece from that strip. Tuck that piece under the triangle to make a trunk.
  • Spread all but 1 to 2 tablespoons pesto sauce over the entire triangle, leaving ¼ inch exposed at the edges. Grate most of the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the pesto. Place the second pastry triangle over top; stretch and pull it to fit, and trim off any extra dough as needed. Lightly press the edges together to seal and pat over the whole surface of the dough.
  • Use a pizza wheel to cut ¾-inch horizontal strips on one side of the tree going from the outside edge in to about ¼ to ½ inch from the center; leave the center part connected to form the trunk. As you move up the tree, it may be easier to place the pizza wheel at the trunk and cut out to the edge. Repeat on the other side, lining up the cuts with the first side.
  • Lift up each strip and twist 3 to 4 times. As you get up to the shorter pieces near the top, twist as many times as you can, but don't worry if you can't twist the strips at the very top.
  • Brush remaining pesto over the center of the tree and any other spots you feel need it. Transfer the silicone liner back onto a baking sheet. Grate remaining cheese over top.
  • Bake in the center of the preheated oven until pastry is fully cooked and well browned, 30 to 35 minutes; do not undercook.
  • Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 355.1 calories, Carbohydrate 23.8 g, Cholesterol 8.2 mg, Fat 25.5 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 8.1 g, SaturatedFat 7.2 g, Sodium 316.4 mg

PESTO TORTE



Pesto Torte image

This fabulous torte can be made without the sun-dried tomatoes. The combination of cream cheese and pesto is mouth-watering. The original recipe comes from Ann Hodgman's Beat This cookbook. I reduced the amount of butter used, and I like to make it in a loaf pan rather than custard cups! You can use basil or artichoke pesto, and I often use dry packed tomatoes but reduce the quantity by half.

Provided by OhMyStars

Categories     Spreads

Time 8h10m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup butter, softened
1 (6 ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
1 (1 pint) container refrigerated pesto sauce
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
French bread

Steps:

  • Beat cream cheese and butter until well blended.
  • Mix pesto and parmesan cheese in small bowl.
  • Line two 8 oz custard cups (or loaf pan) with plastic wrap.
  • Divide cream cheese mixture into four parts (2 for a loaf) Spoon 1/4 of cream cheese mixture into each custard cup.
  • Sprinkle each with 1/4 of the tomatoes.
  • Spread 1/4 of the pesto mixture over tomatoes.
  • Repeat layers.
  • Fold plastic wrap over each torte, sealing well.
  • Chill overnight until firm.
  • Unmold, remove plastic wrap.
  • Serve with crusty French bread slices.
  • Garnish with chives, parsley, or"whatever" for color.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 375.9, Fat 37.8, SaturatedFat 21.6, Cholesterol 103.2, Sodium 429.6, Carbohydrate 6, Fiber 1, Sugar 1.5, Protein 5.7

Tips:

  • Use fresh basil for the pesto to get the best flavor.
  • If you don't have a food processor, you can make the pesto by hand. Just chop the basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese very finely.
  • You can use any type of cream cheese for this recipe, but a full-fat cream cheese will give you the best results.
  • If you don't have any sun-dried tomatoes, you can use chopped fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers instead.
  • To make the tree shape, you can use a cookie cutter or a sharp knife. If you're using a knife, just cut the cream cheese into a triangle and then cut out the branches.
  • You can decorate the tree with any type of edible decorations, such as cranberries, chopped nuts, or fresh herbs.

Conclusion:

The Pesto Cream Cheese Tree is a delicious and festive appetizer that is perfect for any holiday party. It's easy to make and can be customized to your own liking. So get creative and have fun with it!

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