Hey y'all! Nothing says festive like a show-stopping Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree for Christmas Parties. With its golden, flaky crust and gooey cheese paired with savory ham, it’s the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday gatherings or potlucks. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also fun to make and guaranteed to wow your guests. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree for Christmas Parties
- It comes together quickly using store-bought puff pastry—minimal effort, maximum impact!
- The golden, crispy exterior and melty cheese filling create an irresistible texture.
- Perfect as a festive appetizer, snack, or sharable party centerpiece.
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses, meats, or vegetarian fillings.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing for all ages at your Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients for Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed (approx. 14 oz or 400g)
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 oz (170g) thinly sliced ham (deli style preferred)
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)
How to Make Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree for Christmas Parties
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the egg and milk for the egg wash.
Step 2: Assemble the Puff Pastry
- Place one sheet of puff pastry on your prepared baking sheet. Spread with Dijon mustard, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Layer the ham evenly, then sprinkle both cheeses over the ham.
- Cover with the second sheet of puff pastry. Align the edges and press gently to seal.
Step 3: Cut and Shape the Christmas Tree
- With a sharp knife, cut out a large Christmas tree shape (triangle with a trunk) from the stacked pastry. Remove the excess pastry scraps.
- Using a sharp knife, starting from the bottom and working up both sides, cut horizontal slits—about 1-inch apart—to form branches, leaving the center intact.
- Twist each 'branch' several times for a spiraled, festive effect.
Step 4: Bake the Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
- Brush the entire tree with egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if using.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until beautifully golden and crisp.
- Remove from oven, cool slightly, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Notes for the Best Christmas Puff Pastry Tree
- Puff pastry works best when cold; work quickly or pop it in the fridge if it gets too soft.
- For a step-by-step visual guide, check out these puff pastry handling tips.
- Feel free to use pre-grated cheese, but fresh grated melts best and adds superior flavor.
Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace ham with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers.
- Pesto & Tomato: Add a layer of basil pesto and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
- Spicy Kick: Use pepper jack cheese and add thinly sliced jalapeños for some heat.
Equipment Needed for Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree for Christmas Parties
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowl (for egg wash)
Storage & Shelf Life for Your Christmas Puff Pastry Tree
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to revive the crispiness.
- Not suitable for freezer storage as pastry may lose its flaky texture upon thawing.
Suggested Pairings and Serving Recommendations
- Serve warm with a side of cranberry sauce or honey-mustard dip.
- Pair with sparkling wine, cider, or hot mulled wine for festive cheer.
- Garnish with edible stars or pomegranate seeds for extra holiday sparkle.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree for Christmas Parties
- Always chill your assembled tree in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking—this helps prevent shrinking and promotes a crisp, layered texture (see expert tips).
- Don't overload with fillings; a thin, even layer ensures even baking and easy twisting.
- For an ultra-glossy finish, use double egg wash (before and midway through baking).
FAQ: Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree for Christmas Parties
- Can I make the puff pastry tree ahead of time?
- Yes! You can assemble the tree and refrigerate (uncooked) for up to 6 hours before baking fresh when guests arrive.
- Is there a gluten-free alternative for puff pastry?
- Gluten-free puff pastry is available at many grocery stores; just follow the same steps as above. (Learn more).
- What cheese works best for this recipe?
- A blend of mozzarella and cheddar ensures a stretchy, melty, flavorful filling, but you can experiment with Gouda, Swiss, or provolone too!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 150g sliced cooked ham
- 125g grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
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2On a lightly floured surface, roll out both puff pastry sheets to equal size. Spread the Dijon mustard evenly over one sheet.
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3Layer the sliced ham and grated cheddar cheese evenly over the mustard. Top with the second sheet of puff pastry.
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4Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into a large triangle (tree shape) and then make horizontal cuts on both sides, leaving a central 'trunk' intact. Twist the pastry strips to create 'branches.'
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5Whisk the egg with the milk, then brush the surface of the tree. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
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6Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden and crispy. Let cool slightly, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
285cal
Protein:
10gg
Fat:
17gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
22gg
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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