Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe
Celebrate the holidays with these delightful Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees, featuring layers of savory ham and melty cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as festive appetizers or party snacks, these golden, buttery tree-shaped treats combine classic flavors with a fun, eye-catching presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 puff pastry trees 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry & Fillings
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
- 12 slices deli ham (thinly sliced)
- 12 slices cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella)
Glaze & Garnishes
- 24 wooden skewers
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds (optional)
Optional Flavor Enhancements
- Thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam (to spread under the cheese)
- Star-shaped cheese cutouts (for decorative tree toppers)
- Swap ham for turkey or spinach-artichoke spread (for vegetarian variation)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Assemble Layers: Place one sheet of thawed puff pastry flat on a clean surface. Layer evenly with cheese slices followed by deli ham slices. Top with the second puff pastry sheet and gently press down to seal the layers together.
- Cut Strips: Using a sharp knife, cut the layered pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Carefully fold each strip back and forth, accordion style, onto a wooden skewer to shape it into a festive tree shape.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over each puff pastry tree, adding a sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds if desired for extra holiday flair.
- Bake: Arrange the assembled trees on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is fully puffed and golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the puff pastry trees to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture, though they remain delicious at room temperature.
Notes
- Use any cheese that melts well and matches your taste—cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella are great choices.
- For a sweet-savory twist, spread a thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam under the cheese before layering.
- Star-shaped cheese cutouts make festive tree toppers and add visual appeal.
- To make a vegetarian version, swap deli ham for turkey slices or a spinach-artichoke spread.
- Ensure puff pastry is properly thawed to make layering and folding easier.
- Brush the puff pastry trees well with the garlic butter glaze to achieve a golden and flavorful crust.
Keywords: ham and cheese appetizer, puff pastry Christmas trees, holiday appetizer, festive snacks, savory puff pastries, party finger foods
