Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe
These Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of flaky puff pastry, savory ham, and melty cheese come together in a beautiful tree shape, brushed with a garlic-parsley butter glaze and baked until golden and puffed. Easy to assemble and impressive to serve, these savory treats add a whimsical touch to any celebration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 puff pastry Christmas trees 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Base
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
Fillings
- 12 slices deli ham (thinly sliced)
- 12 slices cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella)
Glaze
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Optional Garnishes
- Sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds (optional holiday flair)
- Honey mustard or fig jam (to spread thin under the cheese for a sweet-savory combo)
- Star-shaped cheese cutouts for decorative tree toppers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Assemble Layers: Lay out one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a flat surface. Arrange the cheese slices evenly over the pastry, optionally spreading a thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam underneath for added flavor. Then, top with the slices of deli ham. Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top and press down lightly to seal the layers together.
- Cut and Shape: Using a sharp knife, cut the stacked puff pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Take each strip and fold it back and forth onto a wooden skewer, shaping it to resemble a Christmas tree with branches.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley. Using a pastry brush, generously brush this garlic-parsley butter over the shaped trees to enhance flavor and help achieve a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the skewered trees on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the puff pastry is fully puffed and beautifully golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the trees to cool slightly on a wire rack after baking. They are best served warm but remain delicious at room temperature. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds and add star-shaped cheese cutouts on top for a festive touch.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before assembling to avoid cracking during shaping.
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts of the puff pastry strips to maintain shape.
- Substitute ham with turkey slices or a spinach-artichoke spread for a different flavor or vegetarian option.
- Star-shaped cheese cutouts on top make a lovely decorative tree topper and add extra cheesy goodness.
- Serve warm for the best melty, flaky texture but can also be served at room temperature for convenience.
Keywords: Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry, Christmas Appetizer, Holiday Snacks, Puff Pastry Trees, Savory Christmas Treats, Festive Appetizers
