Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
Delightful holiday appetizer shaped like Christmas trees, made with flaky puff pastry, deli ham, and cheese, brushed with garlic-butter glaze.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Base
- 2 sheets sheets of puff pastry (thawed)
Filling
- 12 slices slices of deli ham (thinly sliced)
- 12 slices slices of cheese (options like cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella)
Assembly
- 24 pieces wooden skewers
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- to taste sesame or poppy seeds (for optional decorative flair)
- to taste honey mustard or fig jam (for that sweet-savory surprise)
- optional star-shaped cheese cutouts (for festive tree topper)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one puff pastry sheet and arrange cheese slices on top, followed by the ham. Place the second sheet of pastry over the top and press lightly.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the layered pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
- Take each strip and fold it back and forth onto a skewer to create a tree-like shape.
Baking
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush the mixture generously over the assembled trees.
- Place the skewers on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they puff up and turn a lovely golden brown.
- Let them cool for a minute before serving warm to guests.
Notes
These trees are best enjoyed warm but taste delightful at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.