HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES

A quick, fun snack for the holiday table.

introduction

This ham and cheese puff pastry snack looks like a small tree. It is crunchy, cheesy, and easy to make. Kids and adults like it. You can also try a different puff pastry idea like this ham and cheese sourdough croissant loaf for more cheese-bread fun.

why make this recipe

Make this for parties, snack time, or holiday fun. It looks festive and takes little time. You can make many at once. They warm up well and travel easy.

how to make HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES

Follow simple steps and you will have tasty tree-shaped snacks. Work on a clean board and keep things cold so the pastry stays flaky.

Ingredients :

• 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
• 12 slices of deli ham (thinly sliced)
• 12 slices of cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella work well)
• 24 wooden skewers
• 4 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds (optional holiday flair)
• Add a thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam under the cheese for a sweet-savory combo
• Use star-shaped cheese cutouts on top for a decorative “tree topper”
• Swap ham for turkey or spinach-artichoke spread for a vegetarian version

Directions :

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Assemble the layers: Lay out one puff pastry sheet. Top with cheese slices, then ham slices. Add the second sheet of pastry on top and press down lightly.
Cut strips: Slice into 1-inch wide strips. Fold each strip back and forth onto a skewer to resemble a tree shape.
Brush with glaze: Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley. Brush over the trees.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden.
Cool slightly & serve: Best warm, but still tasty at room temp.

how to serve HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES

Serve warm on a platter for guests. Add small bowls of mustard or jam to dip. They also go well with a simple salad or soup. For a buffet, place on a tray so people can grab by the skewer.

how to store HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES

Cool fully, then put in an airtight box. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes to bring back the crunch. Do not microwave or they may get soggy.

tips to make HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES

• Keep pastry cold until you bake. Cold pastry puffs better.
• Use thin cheese and ham slices so layers heat through.
• Press edges gently to seal so filling does not leak.
• Brush the glaze well for a golden color.
• For a pretty look, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds before baking.
• Try small star cheese on top as a tree topper.
• For more puff pastry ideas, see this simple tomato tartlets with puff pastry recipe.

variation (if any)

• Swap ham for turkey for a milder taste.
• Use a spinach-artichoke spread for a vegetarian version.
• Put a thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam under cheese for sweet and salty mix.
• Change cheese type to cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella for different flavors.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble, wrap, and keep in fridge for a few hours. Bake just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: You can freeze raw assembled strips on a tray, then bag them. Bake from frozen, add a few minutes.

Q: What size are the strips?
A: Cut about 1 inch wide strips. This size folds well on skewers.

Q: Can I use store-bought glaze instead of butter mix?
A: Yes. A simple egg wash or melted butter both work.

Q: Are wooden skewers safe in the oven?
A: Yes. They are safe at oven temps used here. Soak in water if you worry about burning, but here they should be fine.

Conclusion

For more ideas and steps you can compare with other versions like the Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees – Oh So Busy Mum or this twist on the idea at Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Christmas Tree | Don’t Go Bacon My Heart.

Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees

These festive ham and cheese puff pastry snacks resemble small trees and are perfect for holiday gatherings. Crunchy, cheesy, and easy to make, they are a hit with both kids and adults.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed) Make sure the pastry is thawed before using.
• 12 slices deli ham (thinly sliced)
• 12 slices cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella work well) Choose your favorite type of cheese.
• 24 pieces wooden skewers

Glaze Ingredients

• 4 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 pinch sesame or poppy seeds (optional) For an optional holiday flair.

Optional Ingredients

• to taste honey mustard or fig jam Add a thin layer under the cheese for a sweet-savory combo.
• to taste star-shaped cheese cutouts Use on top for a decorative “tree topper.”

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lay out one puff pastry sheet and top with cheese slices, then ham slices.
3. Add the second sheet of pastry on top and press down lightly.
4. Slice into 1-inch wide strips.
5. Fold each strip back and forth onto a skewer to resemble a tree shape.

Baking

1. Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley. Brush over the trees.
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden.

Serving

1. Cool slightly and serve warm on a platter for guests.
2. Add small bowls of mustard or jam to dip.

Notes

Keep pastry cold until you bake it to ensure it puffs better. For storage, cool fully, then put in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes to restore crunch.