Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees: 7 Joyful Steps

Name: Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Holiday / American
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; Sesame or poppy seeds (optional); Optional: thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam; Optional: star-shaped cheese cutouts; Optional: turkey or spinach-artichoke spread as a filling variation

Jump to Recipe

If the holiday season has you juggling gift lists, office parties, school concerts, and the mystery of where all your wrapping paper disappeared to, these Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are about to become your new festive lifesaver. They’re adorable, buttery, golden, cheesy, and—best of all—require about as much effort as putting on fuzzy socks.

And because the primary keyword is our star today, let me just say: making HAM AND CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES is exactly the kind of low-stress, high-reward cooking moment we all deserve this time of year.

These whimsical little trees bake up beautifully, taste like warm holiday comfort, and look like something you’d proudly place on the front of a Christmas card. Whether you’re hosting family, heading to a potluck, or just trying to impress your picky eaters with festive food shapes, these cheesy trees won’t let you down.

Why You’ll Love These HAM AND CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES

Think of these as the perfect holiday snack: fun, fast, and surprisingly elegant for something made with deli ham and store-bought puff pastry. They’re the kind of appetizer that makes everyone gasp a little when you set them on the table—followed immediately by, “Wait, did you really make these?”

Here’s why these mini trees deserve a spot on your December rotation:

Zero stress. We’re folding, stacking, skewering—nothing complicated that requires holiday-season brainpower.
Kid-friendly and adult-approved. Somehow they satisfy every age group, from toddlers to your cheese-loving uncle.
Festive flair without the fuss. Puff pastry magically puffs into a beautiful tree shape, and a star-shaped cheese topper makes you look like you tried really hard. (We won’t tell.)
Flexible ingredients. Gluten-free pastry, turkey instead of ham, vegetarian swaps—this recipe plays well with whatever you have in the fridge.

This is exactly the kind of recipe I lean on when life feels like a long to-do list wrapped in twinkle lights. These HAM AND CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES saved me last year when I accidentally volunteered—yes, accidentally—to bring appetizers to two different gatherings on the same day. If it weren’t for puff pastry and deli ham, I might still be hiding under my kitchen table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into these beautiful, cheesy holiday bites:

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
12 slices deli ham, thinly sliced
12 slices cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella all work great)
24 wooden skewers
4 tbsp melted butter
2 tsp minced garlic
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Sesame or poppy seeds (optional, but adorable)
Optional goodies:
- Thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam for sweet-savory magic
- Star-shaped cheese cutouts for a festive tree topper
- Swap ham for turkey or a spinach-artichoke spread for a vegetarian version

How to Make HAM AND CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES

These steps are simple, clear, and busy-life friendly—but still deliver that holiday wow factor.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your trees lift right off once they’re golden and beautiful.

Step 2: Build Your Layers

Roll out one sheet of puff pastry.
Lay cheese slices on top, followed by ham slices in a nice even layer.

If you want extra flavor (and honestly, who doesn’t in December?), spread a whisper of honey mustard or fig jam underneath the cheese. It gives your HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES a sweet-savory boost that tastes like holiday magic.

Place the second pastry sheet on top and press down gently to seal.

Step 3: Slice Into Strips

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the stacked pastry into 1-inch strips.
Try not to stress about perfect symmetry—these trees are meant to be charmingly rustic, not architectural masterpieces.

Step 4: Shape Your Trees

Starting at the bottom of each strip, fold the dough back and forth as you thread it onto a skewer, creating a tree-like zigzag shape.

They don’t need to look identical. Think of them as real Christmas trees—each one has a personality.

Step 5: Add the Garlic-Butter Glaze

Mix your melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley.
Brush it generously over each tree. This is where the flavor and the holiday glow happen.

Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top if you’d like a little extra sparkle.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed, crisp, and beautifully golden.

Your kitchen will smell like a cozy hug from someone who loves you.

Step 7: Serve With Holiday Joy

Let your trees cool slightly, then serve warm.
They’re still tasty at room temperature, but warm is where the magic happens.

Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Christmas Trees

Don’t overthink the folding. If your trees lean a little? Great. More character.
Want extra crunch? Bake a few minutes longer until the edges darken slightly.
If the sauce looks thick… Don’t panic—it’s just extra comfort waiting to happen.
Make ahead: Assemble the trees, freeze them on a tray, then bake straight from frozen. Just add 5 extra minutes of cook time.
Try different cheeses: Gouda gives smoky warmth, while Swiss melts like a dream.

These HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES are ridiculously forgiving. Honestly, the hardest part is not eating half the batch before they hit the table.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

Last year, during a week when my calendar looked like a puzzle I definitely didn’t sign up for, I threw together these mini trees for a neighborhood get-together. I expected people to nibble politely.

Instead, I watched grown adults hover over the tray like it was the last lifeboat on the Titanic.

Kids loved them, parents asked for the recipe, and my introverted neighbor whispered, “These might be the reason I left my house today.”

That’s the power of warm, cheesy, puff-pastry goodness during the holidays.

FAQs About HAM AND CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES

Can I use different fillings?

Absolutely! Swap the ham for turkey, pepperoni, or a spinach-artichoke spread for a vegetarian twist. This recipe plays well with all kinds of flavors.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes—assemble the trees, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready. They also freeze beautifully.

How do I store leftovers?

Place leftover HAM AND CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Can I make these without skewers?

You can! Just fold the strips into trees and place them flat on the baking sheet. They won’t stand tall, but they’ll still be delicious.

Do kids like these?

Oh, absolutely. Anything shaped like a Christmas tree tends to win instant approval.

Bring the Joy to Your Holiday Table

If you’re looking for a quick, charming appetizer that sparks joy the moment it hits the table, these HAM AND CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES are the answer. They deliver flavor, comfort, and festive cheer without demanding hours in the kitchen—my kind of holiday cooking.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just adding a little magic to a cozy night in, these golden, cheesy trees are sure to become a yearly favorite.

Let your oven do the work, enjoy the smiles, and let these little trees bring some warm, twinkly goodness to your holiday season.

Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees stacked with melted cheese and ham, topped with golden star decorations. — These Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees make a festive and delicious holiday appetizer everyone will adore.

More Festive Recipes to Enjoy This Season

If these adorable little Christmas trees put you in a holiday cooking mood, here are a few more cheerful dishes your guests will love just as much. They pair beautifully with your appetizer spread and help round out any festive gathering with ease. And if you’d like to see another fun take on this idea, you can check out this delightful version of Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees as well.

Sip something bright and bubbly alongside your savory bites with this refreshing Easy Christmas Punch.
Add another crowd-pleasing appetizer to your table with these irresistible Spinach Artichoke Dip Wonton Cups.
Keep the holiday theme going strong with a fun and whimsical dessert like Christmas Tree Dirt Cake.
For an extra-sweet treat that feels perfectly festive, try serving this creamy and nostalgic Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Dip.

These cozy holiday favorites make it easy to create a full, festive spread your family and friends will adore.