Description
These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are flaky, cheesy, and festive holiday appetizers made with puff pastry, deli ham, and melty cheese. Easy to assemble and guaranteed to impress at Christmas parties, brunches, or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
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2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
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12 slices deli ham, thinly sliced
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12 slices cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella)
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24 wooden skewers
Optional Garlic Butter Glaze
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4 tablespoons butter, melted
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2 teaspoons minced garlic
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
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Sesame seeds or poppy seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Place one puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Layer cheese slices evenly, followed by ham slices.
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Top with the second puff pastry sheet and gently press down to seal.
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Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut into 1-inch-wide strips (about 12 strips).
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Insert a wooden skewer lengthwise through each strip. Fold the pastry back and forth in a zig-zag pattern to form a Christmas tree shape, leaving space at the bottom for the trunk.
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Arrange trees on the prepared baking sheet.
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In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley. Brush generously over each tree. Sprinkle with seeds if using.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
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Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Keep puff pastry cold while working for the best puff.
Thinly sliced cheese melts more evenly than thick slices.
These can be assembled up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerated until baking.
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tree
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg