Hey y’all! If you’re searching for the ultimate festive appetizer that’ll be the star of your holiday table, look no further than this Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Dijon Twist. Buttery, flaky puff pastry loaded with melted cheese, savory ham, and a tangy Dijon touch makes it irresistible for parties, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings. Trust me—between the crispy texture and gooey, molten cheese, this show-stopping appetizer disappears fast! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Dijon Twist
- Super easy to assemble yet looks impressively festive.
- The balance of savory ham, melty cheese, and zesty Dijon wakes up your tastebuds.
- Perfect for prepping ahead—just bake before serving.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing for all ages.
- No fancy ingredients; just a handful of easy-to-find staples!
Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Dijon Twist Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup finely diced cooked ham
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions: How to Make Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Dijon Twist
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Roll and Shape the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each puff pastry sheet into a 10x12-inch rectangle. Place one sheet on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Layer the Good Stuff
Spread the Dijon mustard evenly over the bottom puff pastry, leaving a ½-inch border. Scatter the mozzarella, cheddar, and diced ham evenly over the mustard. Place the second puff pastry sheet directly over the filling and gently press the edges to seal.
Step 4: Cut and Shape the Christmas Tree
Using a sharp knife, cut out a large Christmas tree shape (triangle with trunk) through both pastry layers. Be sure to save any scraps for making fun little stars or extra twists!
To make the branches: Starting about 1-inch from the center, make horizontal cuts, 1-inch apart, on both sides of the tree, stopping about an inch from the middle line, so you don’t cut through the trunk. Carefully twist each strip a couple of times to create a beautiful spiral.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk the egg and milk together in a small bowl. Brush the entire tree (including twists and trunk) with the egg wash. Sprinkle with parsley and sesame seeds if using.
Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes for the Best Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Dijon Twist
- For the flakiest results, keep your puff pastry cold until ready to use. Learn more about working with puff pastry from King Arthur Baking.
- You can use any cheese blend you love—try Gruyère or Swiss for a richer flavor.
- Use pre-cooked ham for best texture and to avoid excess moisture in the pastry.
Variations: Switch up Your Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Dijon Twist
- Vegetarian: Swap ham for sautéed spinach or caramelized onions.
- Spicy Kick: Add a layer of sliced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
- Breakfast Tree: Add scrambled eggs and use breakfast sausage crumbles instead of ham.
Required Equipment for Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Dijon Twist
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Brush for egg wash
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F (163°C) oven until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy. The baked tree is not recommended for freezing as the texture may suffer.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings
Serve your Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Dijon Twist alongside a tangy cranberry sauce, a vibrant side salad, or a creamy mustard dip. For beverages, sparkling cider, champagne, or a light white wine pair beautifully with the rich, cheesy flavors.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Dijon Twist
- Chill your shaped tree in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking for extra-flaky branches.
- Don’t skip the egg wash—this is key for a deeply golden, glossy finish. For a visual guide, check out Sally’s Baking Addiction: How to Use Puff Pastry.
- Use a sharp knife for clean, crisp lines when shaping and twisting the branches.
FAQ: Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Dijon Twist
- Can I assemble the Christmas tree ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate, covered, for up to 6 hours; add the egg wash just before baking.
- What’s the best kind of ham to use?
- Any fully cooked ham works well. Use honey ham for sweetness or smoked ham for a richer flavor. Learn more about ham types from The Spruce Eats.
- Can I use homemade puff pastry?
- Yes! Homemade puff pastry makes it extra special—just roll to the same thickness and shape as the store-bought sheets.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 150 g sliced ham
- 150 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 80 g shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2Roll out both sheets of puff pastry and cut them into large identical triangles to form the base and top of the tree shape.
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3Spread Dijon mustard evenly over one triangle. Layer with ham, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese, leaving a 1 cm border.
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4Place the second pastry triangle on top. Lightly press the edges to seal. Cut both sides of the triangle into 'branches,' twisting each strip gently.
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5Brush the tree with beaten egg and sprinkle with parsley and sesame seeds if desired.
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6Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and puffy. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
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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