If you are looking to add a festive and scrumptiously simple appetizer to your holiday spread, these Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are pure magic. Picture golden, flaky puff pastry hugging layers of savory ham and melty cheese, all twisted into charming little trees that make every bite a celebration. They are as delightful to look at as they are to eat, making them a show-stopping party treat or a cozy snack for a wintry evening by the fire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and readily available but essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive flair in your Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees. Each one plays a key role, from the buttery layers of puff pastry to the savory, melty cheese and ham that create that irresistible combination.
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed): The flaky, buttery canvas that becomes the crispy, golden exterior of the trees.
- 12 slices deli ham (thinly sliced): Adds savory, smoky flavor and a tender texture between the layers.
- 12 slices cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella): Melts perfectly, bringing creamy richness and depth of taste.
- 24 wooden skewers: Essential to shape and hold the tree design with ease.
- Optional garlic butter glaze: Made from 4 tbsp melted butter, 2 tsp minced garlic, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for a golden, flavorful finish.
- Sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds (optional): Adds festive color and a subtle crunch on top.
How to Make Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your puff pastry will bake evenly and make cleanup much easier.
Step 2: Assemble the Layers
Roll out one sheet of puff pastry flat and layer evenly with the slices of cheese, then cover with the thinly sliced ham. Place the second puff pastry sheet on top and gently press down to seal everything together. This layering creates the stunning contrast between flaky pastry and melty filling that is at the heart of these trees.
Step 3: Cut and Shape
Slice the assembled pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Then, take each strip and fold it back and forth around a wooden skewer, mimicking the shape of a Christmas tree with its branches. This folding technique creates beautiful layers that puff up gorgeously in the oven.
Step 4: Brush with Garlic Butter Glaze
Mix together melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley, then brush this fragrant glaze over each pastry tree. The glaze not only encourages a golden-brown finish but also infuses delightful garlicky notes that elevate the overall flavor.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden. The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake will have everyone eagerly anticipating this festive treat.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the trees cool just a bit before serving. These Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are perfect served warm to enjoy the gooey cheese, but they also hold up well at room temperature for easy party fare.
How to Serve Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking for festive, speckled “snowy” details. Fresh parsley or microgreens served alongside add a touch of color and freshness that complements the richness of the pastry beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these trees with a crisp, tangy side salad or a bowl of homemade tomato soup for a cozy winter meal. Their finger-food nature makes them perfect for holiday brunch spreads alongside fresh fruit and sparkling cocktails.
Creative Ways to Present
Try adding star-shaped cheese cutouts at the top of each tree as tree toppers before baking for an extra festive touch. For a sweet-savory twist, spread a thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam under the cheese. You can also swap the ham for turkey or even a spinach-artichoke spread for vegetarian guests, making these trees incredibly versatile and fun to customize.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They maintain their flavor wonderfully and can be quickly reheated when you want a delicious snack later.
Freezing
You can freeze these trees before baking by assembling and shaping them, then wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month, then bake directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfect results.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to bring back that crisp, flaky texture and melty filling. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the puff pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella all work wonderfully. Feel free to mix and match to suit your flavor preferences or whatever you have on hand.
Do I have to use skewers?
Skewers make it easy to shape the puff pastry strips into tree shapes, but if you’d prefer, you can simply twist or braid the strips and bake them flat for a slightly different look.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the ham for your favorite vegetable spread like spinach-artichoke or add layers of roasted veggies for a meat-free holiday treat.
Is it okay to prepare these in advance?
You can assemble and shape the trees a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated before baking. This helps save time on the day of your party.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley for the glaze?
No worries! You can use dried parsley or simply skip it—your trees will still be delicious with the garlic butter glaze alone.
Final Thoughts
These Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees have quickly become a personal holiday favorite because they are so simple, yet elegant and flavorful. They bring warmth to any gathering and are guaranteed to spark joy at the table. Give this recipe a try and watch how these little golden trees become the highlight of your festive celebrations!
PrintHam & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
Flaky, golden puff pastry layered with melty cheese and savory ham, twisted into adorable holiday tree shapes. These Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are perfect finger foods for parties, brunches, or cozy nights in. They look fancy but come together quickly with simple ingredients and an easy baking process.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 trees 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Main 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
Optional Garlic Butter Glaze
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds (optional holiday flair)
Holiday Twists (Optional)
- Thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam under the cheese for sweet-savory flavor
- Star-shaped cheese cutouts on top as decorative “tree toppers”
- Swap ham for turkey or spinach-artichoke spread for a vegetarian version
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Assemble Layers: Lay out one sheet of thawed puff pastry. Evenly layer the cheese slices on top, followed by the deli ham slices. Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the ham and gently press down to secure the layers together.
- Cut Strips and Shape Trees: Slice the assembled puff pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Thread each strip back and forth onto a wooden skewer, folding it to resemble a Christmas tree shape.
- Brush with Garlic Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Brush this flavorful glaze generously over each puff pastry tree. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired for extra holiday flair.
- Bake: Place the skewered puff pastry trees on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the trees to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, but still delicious at room temperature, making them perfect for parties or brunches.
Notes
- For a sweet-savory twist, spread honey mustard or fig jam under the cheese before layering the ham.
- To make these vegetarian, replace the ham with spinach-artichoke spread or use turkey slices for a different meat option.
- Puff pastry should be fully thawed before assembling to ensure easy handling and even baking.
- Wooden skewers help maintain the tree shape during baking but be careful when inserting to avoid tearing the pastry.
- Serve these as finger foods at holiday parties or festive brunches for a charming presentation.