Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
When it comes to festive gatherings, nothing delights guests quite like a whimsical and delicious appetizer. Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make. I first stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a holiday party, and it was an instant hit! These little trees, filled with savory ham and melty cheese, are perfect for holiday celebrations, family get-togethers, or even just a cozy night in. Their festive shape and flavors are sure to bring smiles to your table.
Why you’ll love this dish
What makes Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees truly special? For starters, they are a quick and simple yet impressive appetizer that caters to both kids and adults. Ideal for the holiday season, these festive treats can be whipped up in no time, making them a go-to choice for last-minute gatherings or potlucks. Plus, who can resist buttery flaky pastry filled with savory goodness?
“These puff pastry trees were the star of our Christmas party! They disappeared within minutes and everyone loved how easy they were to make. Definitely a new holiday tradition!” – Happy Holiday Host
Preparing Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees That Wow Your Guests
Crafting these delightful pastries is a breeze. Start by thawing the puff pastry while you gather your ingredients, which include deli ham, your choice of cheese, and some aromatic herbs. You’ll simply layer the fillings onto the pastry, cut out your tree shapes, and pop them in the oven. The result? Golden, crispy trees that both look and taste amazing.
What you’ll need
To create these festive treats, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 sheets Puff Pastry (Thawed)
- 1 pack Wooden Skewers (Or sturdy toothpicks)
- 200 grams Deli Ham (Thinly sliced)
- 200 grams Cheese (Cheddar, Gouda, Swiss, or Mozzarella) – block cheese is preferred for easy slicing
- 50 grams Melted Butter
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley
- 2 tablespoons Sesame or Poppy Seeds
- 2 tablespoons Honey Mustard or Fig Jam (to spread under the cheese)
Feel free to switch out cheeses based on your preference or what you have on hand!
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth them.
- Cut each sheet into tree shapes – ensure you have enough for a festive platter!
- Spread a thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam on each tree.
- Layer the thinly sliced ham followed by your chosen cheese on top of the jam.
- Using a knife, make cuts from the bottom of the tree shape towards the top, leaving the edges intact to create branches.
- Carefully twist each branch to create a tree shape.
- Place the wooden skewers in the base of each tree.
- Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle minced garlic, parsley, and seeds over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are best served warm, fresh out of the oven. They pair beautifully with a side of cranberry sauce or a light salad to balance their richness. For a complete holiday spread, consider offering a charcuterie board alongside these treats, adding an array of olives, nuts, and seasonal fruits to impress your guests.
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the uncooked shapes. Just assemble them as instructed, freeze them before baking, and pull them out to bake straight from the freezer when the need arises. This minimizes waste and maximizes convenience for future gatherings.
Helpful cooking tips
For the best results, always make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed before working with it; this prevents cracking. If you want to elevate the flavor, try adding a sprinkle of your favorite cheese on top before baking or swapping the minced garlic for garlic powder for an easier alternative. Be generous with the melted butter to achieve that golden finish!
Creative twists
Don’t be afraid to play with flavors! Incorporate ingredients like spinach for a pop of color, or substitute ham for turkey or even a veggie ratatouille for a vegetarian option. You could also explore different spreads—like savory red pepper hummus or a cream cheese mixture—to enhance the flavor profile of your trees.
Your questions answered
-
How long does it take to prepare these trees?
Preparation takes about 30 minutes, and baking adds another 15-20 minutes. -
Can I use pre-sliced cheese?
While block cheese is preferred for melting and texture, pre-sliced cheese can work in a pinch. -
Are there any dietary adjustments I can make?
Absolutely! These trees can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free puff pastry, and you can swap in your favorite vegan cheese to make them plant-based.
With this festive recipe, you’re sure to impress your guests and create memorable moments around the holiday table. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 sheets Puff Pastry (Thawed)
- 200 grams Deli Ham (Thinly sliced)
- 200 grams Cheese (Cheddar, Gouda, Swiss, or Mozzarella) – block cheese preferred for easy slicing
- 50 grams Melted Butter
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley
- 2 tablespoons Sesame or Poppy Seeds
- 2 tablespoons Honey Mustard or Fig Jam to spread under the cheese
- 1 pack Wooden Skewers (Or sturdy toothpicks)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth them.
- Cut each sheet into tree shapes – ensure you have enough for a festive platter!
- Spread a thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam on each tree.
- Layer the thinly sliced ham followed by your chosen cheese on top of the jam.
- Using a knife, make cuts from the bottom of the tree shape towards the top, leaving the edges intact to create branches.
- Carefully twist each branch to create a tree shape.
- Place the wooden skewers in the base of each tree.
- Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle minced garlic, parsley, and seeds over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
