
If youâre 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 youâre 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. Theyâre 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.

â What Are Christmas Trees Ham And Cheese Puff Pastry / Why Theyâre 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 Theyâre 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.

â Ingredients Youâll Need
Base Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 10â12 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 âtree branchesâ)
- Parmesan dusting
- Paprika for holiday color
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy version
â 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 âbranch stripâ 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 18â22 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.
â Tips / Variations / Why Youâll 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 Youâll 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
âChristmas 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.
âMake-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 4â5 extra minutes. Holiday hosting has never been simpler.
â FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, gruyère, mozzarella, Swiss â 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.
â 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, theyâre guaranteed to become a Christmas tradition your guests look forward to year after year.