Description
Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are a quick and festive holiday appetizer combining flaky, buttery puff pastry with savory ham and melted cheese, shaped into charming Christmas trees. Perfect for last-minute parties, this easy-to-make recipe delivers delicious flavors and textures that will delight guests of all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 oz thinly sliced deli ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to the package instructions until pliable but still cold, making it easier to handle and preventing sticking.
- Cut the Puff Pastry into Tree Shapes: Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry sheets into large triangles that resemble Christmas trees. Create small cuts along the sides to form branches.
- Layer Ham and Cheese: Place thin slices of ham and a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese between two puff pastry triangles, aligning them perfectly to form a sandwich.
- Shape and Twist the Trees: Carefully twist the ‘branches’ gently away from the center for a fun, decorative look while ensuring the layers don’t separate during baking.
- Brush with Egg Wash and Add Toppings: Brush the tops with beaten egg to achieve a glossy, golden finish and sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until puffed up, golden brown, and the cheese is melted.
Notes
- Keep puff pastry cold during preparation to prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Use a sharp knife for clean, defined tree shapes.
- Layer ham and cheese generously for maximum flavor and gooey texture.
- Twist all branches in the same direction for uniform appearance and baking.
- Watch baking time closely to avoid burning the puff pastry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Christmas tree
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: ham appetizer, cheese appetizer, holiday appetizer, Christmas tree pastry, puff pastry appetizer, easy holiday recipe, party finger food
