Hey y'all! Ready to bring something extra special to your holiday table? This Classic Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree (Golden and Crispy) is not just eye-catching—it's packed with gooey cheese, savory ham, and encased in irresistible, flaky pastry. Whether you’re hosting a party or searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this festive snack will light up any occasion. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Classic Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree (Golden and Crispy)
- Super simple and fun to assemble, even with kids helping out.
- Golden and crispy outside, warm and melty inside—ultimate comfort snack!
- Perfect centerpiece for Christmas parties, brunches, or potlucks.
- Easily customizable with your favorite cheeses and deli meats.
- Feeds a crowd and looks adorable—guaranteed to wow your guests!
Ingredients for Classic Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree (Golden and Crispy)
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed, about 9x10 inches each)
- 6 oz (170g) sliced cooked ham
- 1 ½ cups (150g) shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make a Classic Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree (Golden and Crispy)
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out both sheets of puff pastry to equal size on a lightly floured surface.
Step 2: Build the Layers
- Place one puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet. If desired, lightly brush with Dijon mustard.
- Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border. Layer ham slices on top. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Place the second pastry sheet on top. Gently press edges to seal.
Step 3: Shape the Christmas Tree
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut out a large tree shape (triangle for the tree, small rectangle for the trunk).
- On both sides of the tree, make horizontal cuts about 1-inch apart, stopping before the center trunk.
Step 4: Twist for Texture
- Gently twist each "branch" strip 2-3 times for a decorative effect.
- Brush the entire tree with beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.
Step 5: Bake Your Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Tree
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until puffed and deep golden brown.
- Remove, sprinkle with fresh thyme, and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes for Success with Classic Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree (Golden and Crispy)
- Work with cold pastry for crispier results—if it gets soft, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Try a blend of cheeses for extra flavor. Check out this article on the best cheeses for baking for ideas.
- Feel free to use parchment or a silicone baking mat for easy removal and cleanup.
Variations on Classic Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree (Golden and Crispy)
- Vegetarian: Swap ham for sautéed spinach or roasted red bell peppers.
- Spicy: Add 1-2 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese layer.
- Sweet and Savory: Add a smear of fig jam beneath the cheese for a festive twist.
Required Equipment for Classic Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree (Golden and Crispy)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Pastry brush
Storage Instructions for Classic Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree (Golden and Crispy)
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Not recommended for freezing, as the pastry may soften after thawing.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with honey mustard, cranberry sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Pair with a light sparkling wine, festive cocktails, or hot apple cider.
- Great as part of a brunch buffet with salads and fresh fruit.
Pro Tips for the Best Classic Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree (Golden and Crispy)
- Chill your filled and shaped pastry for 15 minutes before baking to maximize puff and flakiness. See why proper chilling matters at King Arthur Baking.
- Use high-quality puff pastry and deli ham for the best taste and texture (learn about puff pastry in detail here).
- Let the pastry cool for 5 minutes before slicing—this keeps the cheese from oozing out too quickly.
FAQ: Classic Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree (Golden and Crispy)
- Can I prepare the pastry tree ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble up to 1 day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
- What cheeses work best?
- Swiss, Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar all melt well and make for a tasty filling.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 8-10
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
- 120 g sliced cooked ham
- 120 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 80 g shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2Roll out both puff pastry sheets to equal size. Spread Dijon mustard evenly over one sheet as the base.
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3Layer the ham slices over the mustard, then sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Top with chopped parsley and black pepper.
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4Place the second puff pastry sheet on top. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the shape of a Christmas tree with branches into the pastry.
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5Cut horizontal slits on both sides for branches and gently twist each branch to reveal the filling. Brush the entire tree with beaten egg.
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6Bake for 20–22 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
335cal
Protein:
13 gg
Fat:
20 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
25 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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