Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees That Wow Your Guests Recipe
Celebrate the holidays with these stunning Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees. Layered with savory deli ham and your choice of cheese, these festive puff pastry creations are brushed with a buttery garlic glaze and sprinkled with fresh parsley for a flavorful, elegant appetizer that will wow your guests at any holiday gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 Christmas trees
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1 pack wooden skewers or sturdy toothpicks
For the Filling
- 200 grams deli ham, thinly sliced
- 200 grams cheese (cheddar, gouda, swiss, or mozzarella), block cheese preferred
For the Glaze
- 50 grams melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh preferred)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional Enhancements
- 2 tablespoons sesame or poppy seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey mustard or fig jam, spread under cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to package instructions until pliable but still cold for easy handling.
- Cut the Pastry into Triangle Shapes: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice each rectangular sheet into equal-sized triangles suitable for assembling into tree shapes.
- Layer the Ham and Cheese: On each pastry triangle, layer thin slices of deli ham and your choice of block cheese. Optionally spread a thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam under the cheese for added flavor.
- Assemble the Trees: Starting at the base, stack or fold the layered triangles slightly overlapping to form a Christmas tree shape. Insert wooden skewers or sturdy toothpicks through the layers to hold the tree together securely.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with the minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley.
- Brush the Trees: Generously brush the garlic butter glaze over the assembled pastry trees, coating all visible surfaces.
- Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds over the glazed pastry trees for extra visual appeal and a slight crunch.
- Bake: Place the assembled trees on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pastry trees to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to let the flavors meld and to avoid burning guests’ mouths.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry sheets remain cold until ready to work with to prevent sticking and tearing.
- You can use a mix of cheeses for varied flavor and color in the trees.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit ham and add extra cheese or vegetables like roasted red peppers.
- Serve these as an appetizer or party snack with a side of mustard or jam for dipping.
- Wooden skewers help keep the layers intact but remove carefully before eating if desired.
