Cheese Twist Christmas Tree

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. (5 minutes)

On a lightly floured surface, roll one sheet of puff pastry into a 14-inch square. (5 minutes)

Cut the square diagonally from the bottom corners up to the center top point, creating a triangle. Transfer the triangle to one of the prepared baking sheets and refrigerate. (2 minutes)

Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry into a square. (5 minutes)

Remove the first triangle from the refrigerator. Carefully lift the parchment paper with the pastry onto your work surface. 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. (5 minutes)

Spread all but 1 to 2 tablespoons of the pesto sauce evenly over the first pastry triangle, leaving a ¼-inch border around the edges. Grate most of the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the pesto. (3 minutes)

Carefully place the second pastry triangle over the pesto-covered triangle, aligning the edges as closely as possible. Trim any excess dough. Gently press the edges together to seal and lightly pat the entire surface. (3 minutes)

Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, make ¾-inch horizontal cuts along both sides of the triangle, starting from the outside edge and cutting towards the center, leaving about ¼ to ½ inch of uncut dough in the center to form the tree's spine. (10 minutes)

Carefully twist each strip 3 to 4 times to expose the pesto and cheese filling. As you approach the top, twist the shorter strips as much as possible. (10 minutes)

Brush the remaining pesto over the center of the tree and any bare spots. Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the entire tree. (2 minutes)

Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the assembled tree to a baking sheet. (1 minute)

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and fully cooked. Check the bottom to ensure it is not undercooked. (30-35 minutes)

Remove from the oven and transfer the Christmas tree to a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes before serving. (15 minutes)