Name: Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed); 12 slices deli ham (thinly sliced); 12 slices cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella); 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); Thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam for sweet-savory combo; Star-shaped cheese cutouts for decorative tree toppers; Swap ham for turkey or spinach-artichoke spread for a vegetarian version

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Introduction

These Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are festive, flaky, and deliciously satisfying appetizers perfect for holiday gatherings. Easy to assemble and visually impressive, they bring a fun twist to your party menu.

The image shows three layered pastry towers shaped like small Christmas trees on a wooden board over a white marbled texture. Each tree has about five layers, alternating golden, flaky puff pastry with a slightly shiny surface and light pink slices of ham, with melted pale yellow cheese oozing slightly between the layers. The puff pastry layers have a crispy, bubbly texture, sprinkled with sesame seeds and tiny green herb bits. The top of each tree is decorated with a small golden star on a toothpick, and fresh parsley sprigs are placed nearby for garnish. Warm yellow lights softly blur in the background, adding a cozy feel to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
12 slices deli ham (thinly sliced)
12 slices cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella)
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)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Lay out one sheet of puff pastry. Top evenly with cheese slices, then ham slices. Place the second sheet of pastry on top and press down lightly to seal.
Step 3: Slice the layered pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
Step 4: Fold each strip back and forth onto a wooden skewer to create a tree shape.
Step 5: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush this glaze over each tree. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
Step 6: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Step 7: Let the trees cool slightly before serving. They are best warm but still tasty at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Add a thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam under the cheese for a sweet-savory flavor twist.
Use star-shaped cheese cutouts on top as decorative tree toppers.
Swap ham for turkey or a spinach-artichoke spread to make a vegetarian version.
Make sure the puff pastry is well thawed for easier assembly and better puffing.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

How to Serve

The image shows three small puff pastry stacks shaped like Christmas trees on a white marbled surface. Each tree has multiple layers of golden-brown puff pastry with a flaky texture, separated by thin folds of pink ham and melted creamy white cheese. The top layer of each pastry tree is garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green herbs, and a small golden star topper is placed at the peak of each stack. The trees are arranged on a light wooden board with some fresh green parsley around them. The background is softly blurred with warm yellow lights. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the trees and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before baking for the best results.

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Absolutely, just be sure to thaw the puff pastry sheets completely according to package instructions before assembling the trees. This helps the pastry puff up nicely during baking.