Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe
These festive Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of flaky puff pastry, savory deli ham, and melted cheese create a deliciously savory treat, shaped into charming Christmas tree forms and brushed with a buttery garlic parsley glaze. Optional toppings like sesame seeds and star-shaped cheese cutouts add a decorative and tasty touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 appetizer trees 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry and Filling
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
- 12 slices of deli ham (thinly sliced)
- 12 slices of cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella)
Glaze and Garnishes
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds (optional)
Additional Options
- Thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam (optional, for under the cheese)
- Star-shaped cheese cutouts (optional, for decorative “tree topper”)
- Swap ham for turkey or spinach-artichoke spread for vegetarian version
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Assemble Layers: Lay out one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a flat surface. Arrange the cheese slices evenly over it, then layer the ham slices on top. Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the ham and gently press down to seal the layers together.
- Cut and Shape Strips: Cut the layered puff pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Take each strip and fold it back and forth around a wooden skewer to mimic the shape of a Christmas tree.
- Prepare and Brush Glaze: In a small bowl, combine melted butter with minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over each pastry tree. Optionally, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top for added festive flair.
- Bake: Place the skewered pastry trees on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry has puffed up and turned golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Christmas trees to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm but 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 the ham.
- Add star-shaped cheese cutouts as a decorative ‘tree topper’ for a festive presentation.
- To make a vegetarian version, replace ham with turkey slices or a spinach-artichoke spread.
- These appetizers can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven before serving.
- Wooden skewers help maintain the tree shape but can be removed before eating if preferred.
Keywords: Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry, Christmas appetizers, holiday snacks, puff pastry trees, savory pastry, festive appetizers, easy holiday recipes
