Pesto Cream Cheese Tree Recipes

PESTO CREAM CHEESE TREE

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.

PHILADELPHIA PESTO-CREAM CHEESE CHRISTMAS TREE

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.

PESTO CREAM CHEESE SPREAD

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.

PESTO CREAM CHEESE SPREAD

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.

LAYERED PESTO CHEESE SPREAD

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.

PESTO CREAM CHEESE DIP

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.

CHEESE TWIST CHRISTMAS TREE

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.

PESTO TORTE

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.