Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees That Wow Your Guests Recipe
Create festive and delicious Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees that will impress your guests with their delightful blend of flaky pastry, savory ham, and melted cheese, enhanced by a flavorful garlic butter glaze and optional toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Ingredients
For the Pastry
- 2 sheets Puff Pastry, thawed
- 1 pack Wooden Skewers or sturdy toothpicks
For the Filling
- 200 grams Deli Ham, thinly sliced
- 200 grams Cheese (Cheddar, Gouda, Swiss, or Mozzarella), block cheese preferred
For the Glaze
- 50 grams Melted Butter
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic, fresh preferred
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley
Optional Enhancements
- 2 tablespoons Sesame or Poppy Seeds
- 2 tablespoons Honey Mustard or Fig Jam, spread under cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry Base: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife, cut each sheet into tree shapes or strips that can be twisted. Insert a wooden skewer or sturdy toothpick vertically through the pastry to hold it together during baking.
- Assemble the Trees: Layer thin slices of deli ham and block cheese onto one pastry strip or tree shape. Optionally, spread honey mustard or fig jam under the cheese for added flavor. Place a second piece of pastry over the filling and gently press edges to seal if using strips.
- Twist and Shape: If using strips, twist them to create a spiral tree shape around the skewer. Make sure the filling is visible between the twists for an attractive look.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley to create a flavorful glaze.
- Glaze and Add Toppings: Brush the garlic butter glaze generously over the assembled pastry trees. Sprinkle optional sesame or poppy seeds on top to add texture and visual appeal.
- Bake the Trees: Place the prepared pastry trees on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed.
- Serve: Allow the pastry to cool slightly before serving. These trees make great appetizers or festive snack options that wow your guests!
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before working to prevent tearing.
- The type of cheese can be varied based on preference; block cheese is preferred to reduce moisture.
- Wooden skewers should be sturdy enough to hold the shape during baking; consider soaking them briefly if worried about burning.
- Optionally, you can prepare these ahead and bake just before serving.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven and the size of your pastry trees.
