Christmas Trees Ham And Cheese Puff Pastry🎄

Christmas ham and cheese puff pastry trees arranged on white marble
Save This Cozy golden ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees.

If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and crowd-pleasing appetizer this holiday season, these Christmas Trees Ham And Cheese Puff Pastry are about to become your new Christmas tradition. Warm, buttery, golden, and delightfully cheesy, each bite delivers that cozy holiday comfort we all crave during December gatherings. Made with simple ingredients flaky puff pastry, melty cheese, and savory ham they come together into adorable Christmas tree shapes that look magical on any holiday platter.

Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas Eve party, prepa

ring snacks for a school celebration, or just want a cheerful recipe to brighten your holiday table, these puff pastry trees add charm, flavor, and festive sparkle. They’re easy enough for weeknight fun but special enough for Christmas Day itself.

For a savory, festive bite, try our Basil Pesto & Cheesy Puff Pastry Christmas Tree flaky pastry layered with pesto and cheese, baked to golden perfection.

Keep the holiday flavors going with our Christmas Cranberry Meatballs a sweet-tangy, crowd-pleasing appetizer everyone loves.

Add an effortless holiday bite with our Christmas Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites simple, savory, and perfect for parties.
Christmas ham and cheese puff pastry trees arranged on white marble
Save This Cozy golden ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees.

⭐ What Are Christmas Trees Ham And Cheese Puff Pastry / Why They’re Special

Christmas Trees Ham And Cheese Puff Pastry are festive savory pastries shaped like mini Christmas trees. Made by layering puff pastry with ham and cheese, then slicing and twisting the dough into a tree shape, they bake into perfectly golden appetizers that are crisp on the outside and soft, cheesy, and flavorful on the inside.

Why They’re a Holiday Favorite

  • Fun and festive perfect for Christmas boards and holiday appetizer spreads
  • Kid-approved and adult-loved
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Minimal ingredients, maximal impact
  • Beautiful presentation with almost zero effort

Their combination of flaky layers, melty cheese, and savory ham makes them irresistible and their whimsical Christmas tree shape adds a cheerful touch to any holiday gathering.

Christmas ham and cheese puff pastry trees arranged on white marble
Save This Cozy golden ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees.

⭐ Ingredients You’ll Need

Base Ingredients

  • 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
  • 10–12 slices of ham (classic, smoked, or honey ham)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyère)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional for flavor boost)

Finishing Touch

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian herbs

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (for “tree branches”)
  • Parmesan dusting
  • Paprika for holiday color
  • Red pepper flakes for a spicy version

⭐ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1Prep the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out both puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface until even and smooth.
Place the first sheet on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 2 Add the Ham and Cheese

Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the base puff pastry for extra flavor (optional).
Layer the slices of ham evenly over the pastry.
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the entire surface.
Top with the second puff pastry sheet to create a sealed sandwich.

Step 3 Shape the Christmas Trees

Use a sharp knife to cut triangular tree shapes.
Each tree should resemble a tall isosceles triangle with a wider base.
For branches, make horizontal cuts on both sides of each triangle, leaving the center intact.
Twist each “branch strip” gently to create a layered spiral design.

Step 4 Brush and Season

In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash.
Brush each tree evenly to give them a golden, glossy finish.
Sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley to add festive aroma and color.

Step 5 Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your trees for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, flaky, and golden.
Remove from the oven and brush lightly with melted butter for ultimate richness.

Step 6 Serve Warm

Place the trees on a serving board.
Garnish with rosemary sprigs to mimic Christmas greenery.
Serve with optional dips like honey mustard, ranch, or marinara.

⭐ Tips / Variations / Why You’ll Love It

Helpful Tips

  • Keep puff pastry cold before shaping it cuts and twists better
  • Use a serrated knife or pizza cutter for clean lines
  • Add cheese between layers to enhance flavor and structure
  • Bake on the upper rack for best golden color

Flavor Variations

  • Cheesy Garlic Trees mozzarella + garlic butter
  • Spicy Christmas Trees cheddar + jalapeĂąos
  • Honey Ham Trees sweet honey ham + Swiss cheese
  • Italian Trees pepperoni + Italian herb blend

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Picture-perfect for Christmas
  • Easy enough for beginners
  • Flavor-packed with minimal effort
  • Ideal for parties, potlucks, and holiday snacking
  • Guaranteed to disappear from any buffet table

⭐Christmas Party Platter Ideas

These savory puff pastry trees shine even brighter when incorporated into a full holiday appetizer board. Arrange them alongside cranberry-glazed meatballs, mini caprese skewers, stuffed mushrooms, and festive dips to create a Christmas-themed grazing board with variety and color. Add fresh herbs, ornament-shaped snack bowls, and bright red fruits to enhance the glowing holiday theme. This simple addition turns a tray of pastries into a complete party showpiece.

⭐Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly Prep

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easily it can be prepared in advance. Shape the puff pastry trees up to 24 hours before baking, then refrigerate them tightly wrapped. On party day, pop them in the oven and enjoy fresh-baked pastries without stress. You can also freeze them unbaked just assemble, freeze on a tray, then store in an airtight container. Bake straight from frozen by adding 4–5 extra minutes. Holiday hosting has never been simpler.

⭐ FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar, gruyère, mozzarella, Swiss — all work beautifully.

Can I make them larger or smaller?

Yes! Mini-trees are great for kids; larger trees make perfect plated appetizers.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for crispiness.

Can I use turkey ham instead of classic ham?

Yes, turkey ham gives a lighter flavor with the same great texture.

⭐ Conclusion

These Christmas Trees Ham And Cheese Puff Pastry are everything we love about holiday cooking fun to make, festive to serve, and absolutely delicious to share. With their golden layers, melty cheese, and savory ham, they’re guaranteed to become a Christmas tradition your guests look forward to year after year.

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