Introduction
Imagine
pulling a tray of golden-brown, flaky pastry out of the oven, each piece shaped
like a charming little Christmas tree, glistening with garlic butter and topped
with a cheesy star. The aroma of baking pastry, savory ham, and melted cheese
is enough to make anyone's mouth water! These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry
Christmas Trees are not just delicious; they're a fun, edible craft project
that brings everyone together. I love recipes that look impressive but are
secretly simple, and this one is a total winner. It’s the perfect way to get
kids involved in the kitchen and create those special holiday memories. If
you’ve ever made my popular 3-Ingredient Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls, you know
how magical store-bought puff pastry can be. This recipe takes that same
convenience and transforms it into a show-stopping holiday centerpiece that’s
ready in under an hour. Get ready to delight your guests and become the
ultimate holiday host!
What is a Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree?
So, why on earth are we calling a snack a Christmas tree?
Well, my friends, it’s all about a little kitchen magic! We take simple,
delicious layers of puff pastry, ham, and cheese, twist them into a festive
shape, and voilà—you have an edible evergreen that’s far tastier
than any fir in your living room. Who decided that food couldn't be fun and
festive? It’s a playful twist that brings a smile to everyone's face before
they’ve even taken a bite. I firmly believe that the way to anyone’s heart
during the holidays is through their stomach, and presenting them with a
platter of these adorable, flaky trees is a surefire path to success. So, let’s
put on our Santa hats and create some edible holiday cheer that’s as fun to make
as it is to eat!
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas
Tree
- Impressively
Easy & Fun to Make: The absolute best part of this recipe is
the "wow" factor it delivers for minimal effort. Using
store-bought puff pastry is the ultimate shortcut to a gourmet-looking
appetizer. The process of layering, slicing, and twisting is so simple and
enjoyable, making it a fantastic activity for the whole family. No one
needs to know your secret—let them think you slaved away for hours!
- Incredibly
Budget-Friendly: Hosting during the holidays can be expensive,
but this appetizer is a true cost-saver. With just a handful of affordable
ingredients—puff pastry, deli ham, and a few types of cheese—you can
create a stunning platter that feeds a crowd. It’s a far more economical
(and personal) option than buying pre-made party snacks from the store. If
you love this budget-friendly approach, you’ll adore my Cheesy Potato
& Bacon Bites for another crowd-pleasing, affordable option.
- The
Flavor is Unbeatable: Let’s talk taste. We’re starting with
buttery, flaky puff pastry, then layering in savory ham and gooey, melted
cheese. But the real game-changer? The final brush of garlic and parsley
butter that seeps into every nook and cranny, adding a luxurious, savory
gloss and an incredible aroma. It’s a simple step that elevates these
trees from great to absolutely unforgettable.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
Quick Overview
This recipe is the definition of easy, delicious, and
satisfying. In less than 45 minutes, you can transform a few simple ingredients
into a festive masterpiece. The standout element is the flaky, buttery texture
of the pastry combined with the savory, cheesy filling, all enhanced by a rich
garlic butter glaze. It’s the perfect bite-sized treat for any holiday
gathering.
Key Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas
Trees
Image: A high-quality photo showing the ingredients
listed below neatly arranged on a kitchen counter.
For the Puff Pastry Trees:
- 2
sheets puff pastry, semi-thawed
- 4
slices ham (like Black Forest or honey ham)
- 6
slices cheese (Swiss, Gouda, or Cheddar work beautifully)
- 1
extra slice of cheese (for cutting out the stars)
- 8
wooden or bamboo skewers
For the Garlic Butter Wash:
- 2
tablespoons butter, melted
- 2
tablespoons minced garlic
- 2
tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep
the Pastry: Start by laying one sheet of semi-thawed puff pastry
on a clean work surface. It should be pliable but still cold.
- Layer
the Fillings: Arrange the 4 slices of ham evenly over the pastry,
leaving a small border around the edges. Follow with a layer of the 6
slices of cheese.
- Sandwich
and Press: Carefully place the second sheet of puff pastry on top
of the ham and cheese layers. Gently press down over the entire surface to
push out any air pockets and help the layers adhere.
- Slice
into Strips: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter (which works
perfectly for this!), slice the layered pastry into 8 equal-sized strips.
- Shape
the Trees: Take one strip and begin folding it to create the tree
shape. Start with wider folds at the bottom and make progressively smaller
folds as you move up to the top, creating a classic tree triangle
silhouette.
- Add
the Skewer: Carefully push a skewer up through the center of your
folded pastry tree, starting from the bottom and leaving about 1 cm (a
little less than half an inch) exposed at the top. This is where our
cheese star will go later.
- Bake
to Perfection: Place your shaped trees on a baking tray lined
with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25
minutes, or until they are puffed up and beautifully golden brown.
- Make
the Garlic Butter: While the trees are baking, melt the 2
tablespoons of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh parsley.
- Glaze
and Serve: As soon as the trees come out of the oven, immediately
brush them generously with the garlic parsley butter. This allows the
pastry to absorb all that fantastic flavor.
- Add
the Star: Using a small star-shaped cookie cutter, punch out
stars from your reserved slice of cheese. Carefully place one star on the
exposed tip of each skewer. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas
Trees
These trees are the perfect centerpiece for a holiday
appetizer spread! For a beautiful and balanced platter, pair them with:
- Fresh
& Bright Dips: A creamy honey mustard dip, a tangy cranberry
sauce, or a simple garlic aioli complement the rich, savory flavors
beautifully.
- Refreshing
Salads: Serve them alongside a crisp Winter Kale Salad with a
lemon vinaigrette or a simple Arugula and Pear Salad to cut through the
richness.
- Festive
Soups: They are a fantastic dipper for a warm, creamy soup like a
classic Roasted Tomato Soup or a luxurious Butternut Squash Soup.
- Holiday
Drinks: They pair wonderfully with a festive glass of sparkling
wine, a non-alcoholic cranberry spritzer, or a rich and cozy hot
chocolate.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas Trees
- Pastry
Temperature is Key: Your puff pastry should be semi-thawed—cold
enough to handle without becoming sticky, but pliable enough to fold
without cracking. If it gets too warm, pop it back in the fridge for 10
minutes.
- Customize
Your Fillings: Don't be afraid to mix and match! Try different
cheeses like provolone or pepper jack. Add a thin layer of caramelized
onions or a sprinkle of chopped spinach for a veggie boost. A little Dijon
mustard spread on the bottom pastry layer adds a wonderful zing.
- Seal
the Edges: For the neatest trees, you can optionally brush a
little water around the edge of the bottom pastry sheet before adding the
top sheet, then press with a fork to seal. This helps prevent too much
cheese leakage.
- Avoid
Soggy Bottoms: Make sure your ham isn't overly wet. If using
pre-packaged ham, pat it gently with a paper towel to remove excess
moisture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing: Any leftover trees (if you’re lucky
enough to have any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator
for up to 2 days.
Reheating for Best Results: To recapture the
flaky texture, reheat them in an air fryer or oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-8
minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the pastry
soft and soggy.
Freezing: You can assemble the trees up to the
point of baking, then freeze them solid on the baking tray before transferring
to a freezer bag. They can be baked straight from frozen; just add 5-10 minutes
to the baking time. I do not recommend freezing them after they have been
baked, as the pastry won't be as flaky upon reheating.
Nutrition Facts (per tree, estimated):
Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat:
7g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 329mg
