Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe
Celebrate the holidays with these charming Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees. This festive appetizer layers flaky puff pastry with savory ham and melty cheese, shaped into fun tree silhouettes on skewers and brushed with a flavorful garlic butter glaze. Perfect for holiday parties, they’re easy to make, impressive to serve, and delightful to eat warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 trees 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
- 12 slices deli ham (thinly sliced)
- 12 slices cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella)
- 24 wooden skewers
Garlic Butter Glaze (Optional)
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds (optional for holiday flair)
Holiday Twists (Optional)
- 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
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 easier.
- Assemble Layers: Lay out one sheet of thawed puff pastry flat. Evenly layer the cheese slices over the pastry, then the ham slices on top. Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the ham and press down lightly to secure all layers.
- Cut Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the layered pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Then, carefully fold each strip back and forth onto a wooden skewer to form a tree shape, mimicking branches.
- Prepare and Brush Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush this flavorful glaze generously over each pastry tree for a golden, aromatic finish. Optionally, sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds for extra holiday flair.
- Bake: Arrange the skewered trees on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is fully puffed and golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly for safe handling. These starters are best served warm, but remain delicious at room temperature—perfect for party platters.
Notes
- Make sure puff pastry sheets are fully thawed before assembling to prevent tearing.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean, straight strips.
- Experiment with different cheese types for varied flavor profiles.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ham with spinach-artichoke spread or turkey slices for a poultry alternative.
- These appetizers can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking; just add a couple more minutes to cooking time if baking from frozen.
- Brush glaze carefully to avoid sogginess; a light coating is enough to enhance flavor and color.
Keywords: Ham and Cheese, Puff Pastry, Christmas Trees, Holiday Appetizer, Festive Snack, Party Food, Easy Appetizer
