Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe
Celebrate the holidays with these charming Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees, a festive appetizer featuring layers of flaky puff pastry, savory ham, and melty cheese. Perfectly golden, buttery, and garnished with garlic and parsley, these bite-sized treats bring a delightful savory-sweet balance to your holiday spread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 24 puff pastry Christmas trees 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry & Fillings
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
- 12 slices of deli ham (thinly sliced)
- 12 slices of cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella work well)
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 holiday flair)
Optional Flavor Enhancements
- Thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam (to spread under the cheese for a sweet-savory combination)
- Star-shaped cheese cutouts (for decorative “tree toppers”)
- Swap ham for turkey or spinach-artichoke spread (for a 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 them warm for the best flavor and texture, though they remain delicious at room temperature.
Notes
- For a sweet-savory twist, spread a thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam under the cheese before layering ham.
- Use star-shaped cheese cutouts on top of each tree as festive toppers.
- Substitute ham with turkey slices or a spinach-artichoke spread to make a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before assembling to avoid cracking during baking.
- Wooden skewers help maintain the tree shape but be cautious when serving—remove skewers before eating or warn guests.
Keywords: Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry, Christmas Tree Appetizer, Holiday Finger Food, Savory Puff Pastry, Festive Appetizer
