Description
Looking for a fun appetizer in the shape of a Christmas tree for your holiday gathering? You have to try this pesto mozzarella cheese stick Christmas tree recipe. Not only is it a quick and easy appetizer but it is full of Christmas flair and who doesn’t love mozzarella cheese sticks? All you need is a few store bought ingredients and a large serving platter and you will have a fun appetizer perfect for holiday parties and Christmas eve. It even follows a red and green theme and is sure to be a huge hit!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pkg Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (32 count or more)
- 1 jar Marinara Sauce
- 1 jar Pesto Sauce
- 1 pkg Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
- 1 pkg of Mozzarella Pearls
- Fresh Basil Leaves
Instructions
- On a prepared baking sheet bake mozzarella cheese sticks according to package directions until golden brown. Mine took about 15 minutes.
- While the mozzarella sticks bake, set up a serving tray or large cutting board with olive trays and star cookie cutter in a Christmas tree shape. Place one olive tray in the middle and one perpendicular below it. Then place the star cookie cutter in the center of the top of the olive tray.
- Once the mozzarella sticks have cooled, arrange them at an angle pointing down on either side of the tree trunk just under the star. Then continue down the center with two mozzarella sticks per row to make a Christmas tree shape. Continue with the next row until you get to the inside bottom corner.
- Garnish the top and bottom of the tree with basil leaves to fill in the gaps.
- Add marinara and pesto to each of the olive trays.
- Decorate the tree with cherry or grape tomatoes.
- Fill the star with the mozzarella pearls.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
