HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES

introduction

These ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees are fun and easy. They look like small trees and taste warm and cheesy. You can make them for a party, snack, or holiday table. Kids and adults will like them.

why make this recipe

They are quick to make. You use ready puff pastry and simple fillings. They look festive and need little work. They warm up fast and travel well. This is a good recipe when you want a pretty snack with little fuss.

how to make HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES

Follow simple steps and you get crispy, cheesy trees. Work on a clean board and use a sharp knife. Keep the pastry cold until you bake.

Ingredients :

• 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
• 12 slices of deli ham (thinly sliced)
• 12 slices of cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella work well)
• 24 wooden skewers
• 4 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds (optional holiday flair)
• Add a thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam under the cheese for a sweet-savory combo
• Use star-shaped cheese cutouts on top for a decorative “tree topper”
• Swap ham for turkey or spinach-artichoke spread for a vegetarian version

Directions :

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Assemble the layers: Lay out one puff pastry sheet. Top with cheese slices, then ham slices. Add the second sheet of pastry on top and press down lightly.
3. Cut strips: Slice into 1-inch wide strips. Fold each strip back and forth onto a skewer to resemble a tree shape.
4. Brush with glaze: Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley. Brush over the trees.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden.
6. Cool slightly & serve: Best warm, but still tasty at room temp.

how to serve HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES

Place trees on a platter. Add small bowls of mustard, jam, or ketchup for dipping. Serve warm for best texture. They also taste good at room temperature for parties.

how to store HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES

Cool fully. Put in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes to bring back crispness. Do not store too long or the pastry will get soggy.

tips to make HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES

• Keep puff pastry cold until baking for best puff.
• Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean strips.
• Do not overfill with cheese or ham; the layers should stay neat.
• Brush the butter mix evenly so each tree browns well.
• Add seeds or a small cheese star for a nice look.

variation (if any)

• Swap ham for turkey or prosciutto.
• Use spinach-artichoke spread and omit meat for a vegetarian idea.
• Put a thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam under the cheese for a sweet note.
• Change cheese types for different flavors (smoked gouda, brie pieces, or pepper jack).

FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble and keep on a tray covered in the fridge for a few hours. Bake just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: You can freeze unbaked trees on a tray, then wrap and store. Bake from frozen but add a few extra minutes.

Q: What if I don’t have skewers?
A: You can fold strips without skewers and place them on the sheet, but skewers help keep the tree shape.

Q: Can I make smaller or larger trees?
A: Yes. Cut thinner strips for small bites or wider strips for larger trees. Adjust bake time if much larger.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Yes, but slice or press the shredded cheese slightly so layers hold together better.

Conclusion

For a clear step-by-step guide and photos, check this version: Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees – Oh So Busy Mum. For another take with a cheesy twist, see Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Christmas Tree | Don’t Go Bacon My Heart.

Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees

These ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees are fun, festive, and easy to make. Perfect for parties or holiday tables, they are warm and cheesy, appealing to both kids and adults alike.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Appetizer, Party Food, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the pastry trees

• 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed) Keep cold until baking for best puff.
• 12 slices deli ham (thinly sliced) Can swap with turkey or prosciutto.
• 12 slices cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella) Variation of cheese types can be used for different flavors.
• 24 pieces wooden skewers Helps keep the tree shape.

For the glaze

• 4 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds Optional for holiday flair.

Optional ingredients

• 1 layer honey mustard or fig jam For a sweet-savory combo under the cheese.
• 1 piece star-shaped cheese cutouts For decorative 'tree topper'.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lay out one puff pastry sheet. Top with cheese slices, then ham slices. Place the second sheet of pastry on top and press down lightly.

Assembly

1. Slice the stacked pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
2. Fold each strip back and forth onto a skewer to resemble a tree shape.
3. Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley. Brush this mixture over the trees.

Baking

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until puffed and golden.
2. Remove from the oven, cool slightly, and serve warm.

Notes

For best texture, serve warm. You can store cooled trees in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-8 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid overfilling layers to keep them neat.