Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
These whimsical puff pastry trees, filled with savory ham and melty cheese, are perfect for festive gatherings and sure to delight your guests.
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.
Notes
These 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. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.