Oh, how the aroma of freshly baked treats brings back memories of bustling kitchens filled with laughter and love during the holiday season! One of my all-time favorite recipes that embodies that spirit is the Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees. Picture this: flaky, golden pastries shaped like festive trees, stuffed with savory ham and gooey cheese. It’s a dish that not only brings joy to the taste buds but also creates a delightful centerpiece for your holiday gatherings.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Imagine walking into a room where your loved ones are gathered, their faces lighting up as they spot these adorable Christmas trees. Not only do they look charming and inviting, but they also deliver that classic flavor combination of ham and cheese that everyone adores. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility—perfect for party appetizers, a festive snack, or even as a light meal when paired with a salad.
The best part? They’re easy to whip up! Puff pastry is like the culinary fairy godmother of the dessert world; just add a little heat, and it transforms into golden, fluffy greatness. Plus, with the option to mix in sweet elements like honey mustard or fig jam, you get a gourmet twist that surprises the palate. It’s a recipe that promises smiles, cheers, and perhaps a little dance of joy from your guests!
Ingredients overview
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed): Make sure they’re fully thawed; nothing quite matches the flakiness of puff pastry that’s puffed up beautifully in the oven.
- 12 slices deli ham (thinly sliced): Thin slices allow for easy rolling and folding, plus they ensure every bite has that savory goodness.
- 12 slices cheese: Choose your favorite—cheddar gives a nice sharpness, gouda adds creaminess, and Swiss melts beautifully.
- 24 wooden skewers: These will become the tree trunks, so make sure they’re sturdy enough.
- 4 tbsp melted butter: This creates a glossy finish and sends your senses into overdrive as it bakes.
- 2 tsp minced garlic: You don’t need much—just enough to give a subtle kick.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: It adds a pop of color and freshness, making your trees look festive!
- Sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds: Optional, but they add a lovely crunch and holiday flair.
- Thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam: This is where the magic happens—sweet and savory collide!
- Star-shaped cheese cutouts: These are your tree toppers, adding whimsy and charm.
- Swap ham for turkey or spinach-artichoke spread: For those who prefer a lighter or vegetarian option, this is a fantastic alternative.
How this recipe comes together
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll one sheet of puff pastry. Place the cheese slices across the pastry, then layer the ham slices on top. Add the second sheet of pastry and lightly press down to sandwich everything together.
- Slice the layered pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Grab a skewer and fold each strip back and forth onto it, forming a tree shape.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush this glorious concoction over your assembled trees.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until they’re beautifully puffed and a golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly before serving. I promise, they’re even tasty at room temperature!
Best way to enjoy it
Serve these whimsical trees fresh from the oven; the warmth enhances the delightful aroma and flavors. Pair them with a zesty dip or a light salad on the side. You can also turn them into a charcuterie board showstopper by adding seasonal fruits, nuts, and a festive dip.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Got leftovers? No problem! Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll still taste fabulous, although the puff will lose a bit of its crispness. To reheat, pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to bring back that delightful texture.
Pro chef tips
- Always keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it; it puffs up better that way.
- For an extra boost of flavor, try toasting the minced garlic in the melted butter before brushing it on.
- Let your creativity flow with the toppings—a sprinkle of smoked paprika or fresh herbs before baking makes for a great twist.
Creative Twists
- Change it up! Use different cheeses or even a spiced apple jam instead of honey mustard for a sweet touch.
- Feeling adventurous? Swap out the ham for turkey or go completely vegetarian with a spinach-artichoke spread.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
- 12 slices deli ham (thinly sliced)
- 12 slices cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella)
- 24 wooden skewers
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds (optional)
- Honey mustard or fig jam (optional)
- Star-shaped cheese cutouts for decoration (optional)
Directions to follow
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay out one sheet of puff pastry; layer cheese and ham on it.
- Top with the second pastry sheet and press lightly.
- Slice into 1-inch strips. Fold each strip into a tree shape on skewers.
- Brush with melted butter mixed with garlic and parsley.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Cool slightly and serve.
Your questions answered
Can I prepare these in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble them and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking.What dipping sauce goes best?
A tangy mustard or a sweet fig dip pairs beautifully!How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.Can I freeze these?
Yes! Assemble and freeze raw. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes! Swap the ham for a spinach-artichoke spread or roasted veggies.
Take these festive, edible trees into your holiday gatherings, and watch as they steal the show. Trust me; this recipe is one of those delightful little gems that fills the heart as much as it fills the belly. So, roll up those sleeves, gather your ingredients, and create some holiday magic! I can’t wait to see how your culinary creations turn out—happy cooking!
HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES
Description
Adorable puff pastry trees filled with ham and cheese, perfect for holiday gatherings.Ingredients
Main Components
Instructions
Preparation and Baking
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Layer Ingredients
Unroll one sheet of puff pastry. Place the cheese slices across the pastry, then layer the ham slices on top. Add the second sheet of pastry and lightly press down to sandwich everything together.Slice and Shape
Slice the layered pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Grab a skewer and fold each strip back and forth onto it, forming a tree shape.Brush with Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush this mixture over your assembled trees.Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until they’re beautifully puffed and golden brown.Let them cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 220kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 550mg23%
- Potassium 90mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 8g16%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 150 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 1.2 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
- Folate 5 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 90 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 5 mg
- Zinc 0.5 mg
- Selenium 5 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.2 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
