Dessert

Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe

ByElena Hart December 5, 2025December 5, 2025

Introduction

These Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are a festive and delicious appetizer, perfect for holiday gatherings. Crispy puff pastry layered with savory ham and cheese forms charming tree shapes that are as fun to make as they are to eat.

The image shows a stack of four layers arranged like a small tree, each layer made of golden puff pastry with a shiny, crispy texture. Between the layers, there are thin, folded slices of pink ham and melted creamy white cheese that oozes slightly from the edges. The topmost layer is shaped like a small star, held together with a stick that has a golden star decoration on top. Each pastry layer is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small bits of chopped green herbs. The stack is placed on white parchment paper over a wooden board, with some green parsley on the side, against a softly blurred background with warm yellow lights. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
12 slices of deli ham (thinly sliced)

12 slices of cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella work well)
24 wooden skewers

4 tbsp melted butter
2 tsp minced garlic

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds (optional for holiday flair)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Lay out one sheet of puff pastry and evenly layer cheese slices over it, followed by the ham slices. Place the second puff pastry sheet on top and press down lightly to seal.
Step 3: Cut the layered pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Thread each strip onto a wooden skewer, folding the strip back and forth to create a tree shape.
Step 4: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush this mixture generously over each pastry tree.

Step 5: Arrange the trees on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Step 6: Let the trees cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, but still delicious at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Spread a thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam under the cheese for a delightful sweet-savory flavor.

Use star-shaped cheese cutouts on top as a festive decorative “tree topper.”
Swap ham for turkey or use a spinach-artichoke spread for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Add a sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds before baking for extra texture and holiday flair.

Storage

Store leftover puff pastry trees in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

A stack of five layers shaped like a Christmas tree, each layer consisting of golden brown, crispy puff pastry with a shiny glazed top sprinkled with sesame seeds and finely chopped green herbs. Between the puff pastry layers, there are thin slices of pink ham and melted white cheese oozing slightly. The smallest puff pastry piece is at the top, decorated with a small golden star on a toothpick. The trees are set on white parchment paper over a wooden board, and fresh green parsley sits beside them. The background is softly blurred with warm yellow lights and a dark setting, all on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before assembling the trees to ensure even baking.

Can I prepare these in advance?

You can assemble the trees a few hours ahead and keep them chilled, but brush with the butter mixture and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.