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Savory Christmas Tree with Tuna, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Olives

A savory Christmas tree with tuna, sun-dried tomatoes and olives: quick, soft and festive, ideal for holiday appetizers or buffets.
Recipe Savory Christmas Tree with Tuna, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Olives
  • Difficulty Medium
  • Preparation 20 minutes
  • Cooking 40 minutes
  • Servings for 8-10 people

If you want to surprise your guests over the holidays with a showstopping holiday appetizer, the savory Christmas tree with tuna is the perfect way to bring not only flavor but also a touch of cheer and originality to the table. Imagine a soft, fragrant dough that is easy to work with and that, thanks to your creativity, turns into an inviting filled Christmas tree to serve as an appetizer. The star ingredients – tuna, sun-dried tomatoes and black olives – come together in a blend of flavors that recalls the Mediterranean and offers a rich, appetizing experience. You can find the tree-shaped pan on Amazon.

This easy savory Christmas tree recipe wins you over from the very start: in a few simple steps, with no long rising times thanks to the instant leavening, you can create a soft base ready to hold the tasty filling. The tuna adds a gentle flavor, the sun-dried tomatoes bring an intense note and the black olives round it all off with their bold taste, making every slice a real temptation. If you are looking for a Christmas appetizer with tuna and olives that everyone will agree on, this recipe will delight grown-ups and kids alike, and it is easy to customize: try adding diced cheese or a mix of grilled vegetables to the filling for a result that is always new.

The savory Christmas tree with sun-dried tomatoes is therefore not only beautiful to look at but also ideal to make ahead and serve at room temperature, cut into handy portions or small bites perfect for a buffet. A Christmas appetizer with tuna, olives and sun-dried tomatoes that can also become an original edible centerpiece or a tasty homemade food gift.

Do you like recipes with tuna and sun-dried tomatoes? Don’t miss other ideas for your table such as Pasta with Creamy Tuna Sauce, Conchiglie with Tuna, Capers and Sun-Dried Tomatoes or, for a tasty appetizer, Friselle with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Tuna and Olives. Find out how to make a savory Christmas tree and bring the magic of the holidays to your table.

Ingredients for 8-10 people

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Method

  1. To make the savory Christmas tree with tuna, sun-dried tomatoes and olives, start by beating the eggs in a large bowl until pale and frothy.
    Savory Christmas Tree, step 1: eggs beaten until pale and frothy
  2. Add the water, vegetable oil, grated Parmigiano and a pinch of salt, mixing well with a whisk.
  3. Fold in the flour and the instant leavening for savory bakes, mixing with a spatula until the batter is smooth.
    Savory Christmas Tree, step 3: flour and leavening mixed into the batter with a spatula
  4. Add the drained tuna, the sun-dried tomatoes cut into thin strips and the pitted black olives. Season with salt and pepper and mix gently. Pour the batter into the Christmas tree pan (you can buy it here).
    Savory Christmas Tree, step 4: tuna, sun-dried tomatoes and olives added to the batter
    Savory Christmas Tree, step 4: the batter poured into the Christmas tree pan
  5. In a small bowl, mix one egg white with the sliced almonds and sprinkle them over the top of the tree for a golden, crunchy crust.
    Savory Christmas Tree, step 5: sliced almonds and egg white sprinkled over the tree
  6. Bake in a convection oven preheated to 180 °C (350 °F) on the lowest rack for 30-40 minutes, until golden.
  7. Take the savory tree out of the oven, let it cool slightly on a wire rack and serve it lukewarm or at room temperature. Finally, remember to download our App with exclusive content and fewer ads!

Variations and Alternatives

For a vegetarian version, replace the tuna with vegetables such as zucchini or sautéed artichokes. Alternatively, you can make mini savory trees in single-serving molds for an even more festive Christmas buffet.

Tips

You can enrich the dough with cubes of cheese, anchovies or grilled vegetables to suit your taste. If you don’t have a tree-shaped pan, you can draw the outline on parchment paper and cut it out after baking.

Storage

Store the savory tree in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can warm it briefly before serving.

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