Description
These adorable Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are the ultimate festive appetizer—warm, cheesy, flaky, and ready in just 7 simple steps. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or a cozy Christmas Eve spread.
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
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lay out one puff pastry sheet. Add a thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam if using.
Add cheese slices evenly, then layer the ham slices on top.
Place the second puff pastry sheet over the top and press gently to seal.
Cut the layered pastry into 1-inch strips.
Fold each strip back and forth onto a skewer to create a Christmas tree shape.
Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley. Brush over the trees and sprinkle seeds if desired.
Bake 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden.
Cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Trees can be assembled ahead and chilled or frozen before baking.
Bake directly from frozen—just add 5 extra minutes.
For a vegetarian version, use spinach-artichoke spread instead of ham.
Great with dipping sauces like hollandaise, garlic aioli, or honey mustard.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tree
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg