Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees: Easy Holiday Hit!

Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees are the perfect festive treat to brighten up your holiday table! There’s something so charming and delicious about these little trees, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. These Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees bring back memories of our family gatherings, filled with laughter, warmth, and, of course, plenty of delicious food; it reminds our hearts that Christmas is just around the corner! 

This recipe is inspired by the simple joys of the season, and we can’t wait to share this with you this recipe. With just a few ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up a batch of these adorable and tasty Christmas finger food, with our simple recipe!

Why You Will Love This Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees Recipe

Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees: Easy Holiday Hit!

Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees: Easy Holiday Hit!
Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees: Easy Holiday Hit! 6

Flaky puff pastry filled with savory ham and melted cheese, shaped into a festive Christmas tree. A perfect savory holiday snack or appetizer!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 pastries
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition:

Calories: 150
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 9g

Ingredients

  • 1 package (14.1 oz) puff pastry, thawed
  • 4 oz sliced ham, thinly sliced
  • 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Everything bagel seasoning (optional)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. 2. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Lightly roll it out to make a rectangle.
  3. 3. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the entire pastry surface.
  4. 4. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the mustard.
  5. 5. Arrange the sliced ham over the cheese, and then top with the remaining cheese.
  6. 6. Carefully fold the puff pastry in half, covering the fillings.
  7. 7. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, trim the edges of the pastry to create a clean rectangle.
  8. 8. Cut into triangle shapes, starting small and getting larger.
  9. 9. Twist each triangle 3-4 times to give them that Christmas tree look.
  10. 10. Place the puffed pastries onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
  11. 11. Brush each pastry with the beaten egg.
  12. 12. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, if desired.
  13. 13. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
  14. 14. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with rosemary sprigs before serving.

Notes

  • Feel free to experiment with different types of ham and cheese
  • For best results, use all-butter puff pastry
  • You can make these ahead of time and bake just before serving
  • Serve with a honey mustard dipping sauce or cranberry sauce for added flavor

What’s not to love about a recipe that combines flaky puff pastry, savory ham, and gooey cheese into a cute Christmas tree shape? These savory holiday snacks are the ultimate comfort food; they’re quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.

We love how versatile these little trees are. You can customize the filling to your liking, making each batch unique! Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is simply heavenly. This is definitely a recipe that will become a family favorite, year after year. We hope this recipe gives you the comfort and flavor to get the Christmas season started! If you’re looking for another great breakfast or brunch idea, try our Ham And Cheese Egg Cups Recipe!

Ingredients Needed for This Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees:

  • For the Pastry:

* 1 package (14.1 oz) puff pastry, thawed

  • For the Filling:

* 4 oz sliced ham, thinly sliced
* 4 oz shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend)
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

  • For Garnish (Optional):

* Everything bagel seasoning
* Fresh rosemary sprigs

How to Make This Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create your delightful Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees:

  1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  1. 2. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Lightly roll it out to make a rectangle. Or get creative with Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese for comfort food.
  1. 3. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the entire pastry surface. This adds a delicious tang!
  1. 4. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the mustard. Arrange the sliced ham over the cheese, and then top with the remaining cheese.

 

Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees - Process or ingredients
Preparation process

 

  1. 5. Carefully fold/cover the puff pastry, cut the rectangle in half.
  1. 6. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, trim the edges of the pastry to create a clean rectangle.
  1. 7. Cut into triangle shapes. Start at about 2 1/2 inches, going longer each triangle cut.
  1. 8. Twist each triangle 3-4 times to give them that Christmas tree look.

 

  1. 9. Place the puffed pastries onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
  1. 10. Brush each pastry with the beaten egg – this will give them a beautiful golden sheen.
  1. 11. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, if desired.
  1. 12. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
  1. 13. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.

How to Serve This Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees Recipe

These Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees are perfect as a festive appetizer at your holiday gatherings. You can also serve them as a fun snack for kids or as a delightful addition to your brunch spread.

For a more elegant presentation, arrange them on a platter garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs to resemble tiny Christmas trees. You can also pair them with a side of cranberry sauce or a honey mustard dip for added flavor.

How to Store This Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees Recipe

If you have any leftover Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees (though we doubt you will!), here’s how to store them:

  • Refrigeration: Store cooled pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the baked pastries in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: To reheat, bake the pastries in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.

Tips to Make This Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees Recipe

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees turn out perfectly:

  • Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use different types of ham or cheese to customize the flavor. Prosciutto and provolone would also be delicious!
  • Success Tip: Make sure your puff pastry is thawed but still cold. This will prevent it from becoming too sticky and difficult to work with.
  • Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t overfill the pastry, as this can cause it to burst open during baking.
  • Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to the filling.

Helpful Notes for This Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees Recipe

For the best results, use a good-quality puff pastry. We prefer all-butter pastry for its rich flavor and flaky texture.

If you’re using a block of cheese, make sure to shred it finely so it melts evenly during baking. You can also use pre-shredded cheese for convenience. Consider trying a version of Ham And Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees.

Variation of This Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees Recipe

Get creative with different variations of this recipe!

  • Seasonal Twists: Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to create different shapes, such as stars or bells.
  • Optional Versions: Add a layer of spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for a vegetarian option.
  • Creative Modifications: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. You may also want to try different flavor combinations for your festive appetizer ideas, such as a bacon-cheddar tree or a sun dried tomatoes and asiago cheese tree.

FAQs About This Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees Recipe

What is the best way to shape ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees?

Cut puff pastry into triangles, layer with ham and cheese, and then cut strips on either side to twist and form the tree shape. Secure with a star on top for a festive look.

Can I use different fillings for puff pastry Christmas trees?

Yes, you can customize the filling with ingredients like spinach and feta, sausage and apple, or even pesto and mozzarella. Adjust baking time accordingly.

How do I prevent my puff pastry Christmas trees from getting soggy?

Ensure your filling ingredients aren’t too wet. If using fresh vegetables, sauté them first to remove excess moisture. Also, bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for even cooking.

What temperature should my oven be for baking ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees?

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the puff pastry is fully cooked. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Conclusion

These Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees are not just a recipe; they’re a way to bring a little bit of holiday magic into your home this Christmas. We believe that these savory holiday snacks will become a cherished tradition. From our kitchen to yours, we hope these warm, golden trees fill your heart with joy and your belly with happiness! Let us know in the comments if you try making these Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees and what you think!

Maria Rossi

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