If you’re looking for a scenic holiday appetizer, easy to prepare and able to win everyone over at first bite, this soft savory tree is the perfect idea to bring to the holiday table. It’s a very quick recipe that smells like Christmas, made with pesto, ham, and smoked cheese: an irresistible mix that makes this soft Christmas tree soft, tasty, and ideal for both lunch and buffet.
Making it is very simple: you just need a tree-shaped mold and a few ingredients you already have in your kitchen. It’s a savory holiday recipe perfect even if you have little time, because it uses instant yeast and requires no waiting. Moreover, you can prepare it in advance, freeze it, or customize it as you like, making it a tasty alternative to classic savory pies.
If you want a Christmas appetizer that stands out, is delicious, and will be gone in minutes, the soft savory tree is the right choice.
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- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 8 People
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Christmas, New Year's
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 oz Grana Padano cheese, grated
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sunflower oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast for savory preparations
- 3 tablespoons pesto
- 3.5 oz ham
- 3.5 oz smoked cheese
Tools
- Baking Pan
Steps
In a bowl, lightly beat the eggs with the salt and sugar. Add the Grana Padano, milk, and sunflower oil, mixing well to obtain a homogeneous mixture. Sift the flour with the yeast and gradually add them to the liquid mixture.
Incorporate the pesto, diced ham, and smoked cheese, gently mixing to distribute the ingredients evenly.Pour the batter into a tree-shaped mold, previously buttered and floured.
Bake in a preheated static oven at 350°F (180°C) for 35-40 minutes. Before removing from the oven, check the cooking with the toothpick test: if it comes out dry, your tree is ready!
Tips, Storage
You can prepare the soft savory tree in advance, follow the recipe as indicated, and once cooled, store it in an airtight container or wrap it well with plastic wrap.
Place it in the refrigerator. The texture and flavor will remain excellent even if prepared the day before.
Before serving, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, so it becomes soft and fragrant again.
Preparing it in advance will save you time on the day of the event and you will still have a fresh and delicious savory tree to bring to the table!
You can customize the savory tree by adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or other ingredients to your liking.
Serve it warm or at room temperature: it will be delicious either way!
