Description

Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are a festive and easy holiday appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry layered with savory ham and melty cheese, shaped creatively like Christmas trees. Perfect for quick preparation during busy celebrations, these bite-sized treats add charm and delicious flavor to any party table.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry Base

Puff Pastry Sheets (thawed)

Filling

Thinly sliced deli ham (quantity as needed to cover pastry sheet)
Shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese (quantity as needed for even coverage)

Finishing

1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
Pinch of black pepper or dried herbs (optional, to taste)

Instructions

Prepare the Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to package instructions until pliable but still chilled to ensure perfect rising in the oven. Lightly flour your workspace and gently roll out each sheet to smooth any creases.
Layer Ham and Cheese: Evenly spread the deli ham slices over one puff pastry sheet, covering the entire surface. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the ham for a flavorful filling that melts during baking.
Cover and Cut the Trees: Place a second sheet of puff pastry on top of the ham and cheese layer. Using a sharp knife, cut the double-layered pastry into triangle shapes resembling Christmas trees, ensuring clean edges and consistent sizes.
Create the Tree Effect: Make horizontal cuts on each triangle, stopping about one inch from the left edge. Twist each strip toward the right to create the appearance of tree branches, adding texture and crispiness when baked.
Brush with Egg Wash and Bake: Place the shaped trees onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash to achieve a shiny, golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.

Notes

Keep puff pastry cold and work swiftly for maximum puff and flakiness.
Do not overfill with ham or cheese to prevent soggy pastry.
Cut triangles of similar size for uniform baking and professional presentation.
Use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts and crisp tree shapes.
Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 puff pastry Christmas tree
Calories: 150
Sugar: 0.5g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Ham appetizer, Cheese pastry, Holiday appetizer, Christmas tree pastry, Puff pastry snacks, Easy holiday recipes, Festive appetizers