Hey y'all! Looking for an appetizer that tastes amazing, looks festive, and is guaranteed to impress your guests? This Buttery Ham & Cheddar Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer is flaky, buttery, bursting with savory ham and gooey cheddar—all wrapped up in an adorable Christmas tree shape. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a cozy family night, or a fun get-together, this appetizer is sure to steal the spotlight. Let's get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Buttery Ham & Cheddar Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer
- It’s incredibly easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients.
- The buttery, crispy crust pairs perfectly with the melty cheddar and salty ham inside.
- It brings a festive, Instagram-worthy vibe to any holiday table or party spread.
- Perfect for sharing—tear-and-share design means less fuss and more fun!
- Make-ahead friendly, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests.
Ingredients for the Buttery Ham & Cheddar Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer
- 2 sheets of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup thinly sliced deli ham (about 3 ounces), chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra zing)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Buttery Ham & Cheddar Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out both sheets of puff pastry to roughly 10x14 inches.
Step 2: Build the Layers
Lay one sheet onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread Dijon mustard over the surface if using. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar and chopped ham, gently pressing into the pastry. Top with the second puff pastry sheet to sandwich the filling.
Step 3: Shape Your Christmas Tree
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut out a large Christmas tree shape (triangle with a trunk) through both pastry layers. Remove excess pastry and set aside for leaf decorations. With the tree intact, use the knife to cut horizontal strips from the trunk outwards, leaving the center (trunk) uncut. Carefully twist each strip to reveal the layers.
Step 4: Decorate and Apply Egg Wash
Use extra pastry scraps to cut out small stars or leaf shapes and press onto the tree. Lightly brush the entire surface with beaten egg. Sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds if desired.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until deeply golden and crisp. Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Allow to cool slightly, then garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes on This Buttery Ham & Cheddar Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer
- Let the puff pastry thaw in the refrigerator for best texture—avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess (learn more about puff pastry).
- Feel free to assemble the tree a few hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake fresh for guests.
- If you don’t have Dijon, try honey mustard or a hint of garlic butter for extra flavor.
Variations for Buttery Ham & Cheddar Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer
- Vegetarian Option: Swap ham for sautéed spinach and roasted red peppers.
- Italian Touch: Use prosciutto and mozzarella with a sprinkle of oregano.
- Breakfast Tree: Add scrambled eggs and cooked bacon for a brunch twist.
Required Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Pastry brush
- Small bowl for egg wash
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover puff pastry Christmas tree 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 re-crisp before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Buttery Ham & Cheddar Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer
- Pair with a simple green salad or tomato soup for a light meal.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like honey mustard, ranch, or even cranberry sauce.
- Add to your holiday party platter alongside fresh veggies, cured meats, and festive dips.
Pro Tips for the Best Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
- For a super flaky finish, chill the assembled tree for 10 minutes before baking (puff pastry baking tips).
- Don’t overload with cheese or filling—that can make twisting tricky and cause leaks.
- To help with even browning, rotate your baking sheet halfway through baking.
FAQ About Buttery Ham & Cheddar Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer
- Can I prepare this appetizer in advance?
- Yes! You can assemble it up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for best results.
- What if I don’t have cheddar cheese?
- You can use Gouda, Monterey Jack, or a sharp Swiss for delicious results—find more cheese options here.
- Can I freeze the baked pastry?
- While possible, it’s best served fresh; freezing may impact the flakiness, but you can freeze baked portions for up to 1 month and reheat in the oven.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 120 g cooked ham, thinly sliced
- 120 g cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
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2Roll out both sheets of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Spread Dijon mustard evenly on one sheet.
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3Layer sliced ham and shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mustard-covered pastry. Sprinkle with garlic powder.
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4Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the filling. Using a sharp knife, cut out a large Christmas tree shape. Transfer to the prepared baking tray.
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5Slice horizontal branches along both sides of the tree and gently twist each branch to expose the filling. Brush the entire tree with the beaten egg and melted butter.
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6Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
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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