Ham Cheese Puff Pastry Trees (Print View)
Flaky puff pastry with ham and cheese, baked into tree shapes for easy, festive appetizers.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pastry and Fillings
01 -
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
02 -
12 slices deli ham, thinly sliced
03 -
12 slices cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella
04 -
24 wooden skewers
→ Optional Garlic Butter Glaze
05 -
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
06 -
2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
07 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
08 -
Sesame seeds or poppy seeds, for garnish (optional)
→ Holiday Twists (Optional)
09 -
Honey mustard or fig jam, thinly spread under the cheese (optional)
10 -
Star-shaped cheese cutouts, for decorative tree toppers
11 -
Turkey slices or spinach-artichoke spread, to replace ham for vegetarian option
# Directions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 -
Lay one puff pastry sheet on a flat surface. Arrange cheese slices evenly over the pastry, then layer ham slices on top. Place the second puff pastry sheet over the fillings and press gently to seal.
03 -
Slice the layered pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Carefully fold each strip back and forth onto a wooden skewer to form a Christmas tree shape.
04 -
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush the mixture generously over each pastry tree. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
05 -
Transfer the skewered pastry trees to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
06 -
Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
# Notes:
01 -
For a festive touch, use star-shaped cheese cutouts as toppers. Layer with honey mustard or fig jam beneath the cheese for a sweet-savory variation.
02 -
Vegetarian option: Substitute ham with sliced turkey or a spinach-artichoke spread.