Hey y'all! Ready to whip up a show-stopping snack that's not only fun but also irresistible for both kids and adults? This Kid-Friendly Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Snack is packed with melty cheese, savory ham, and flaky pastry—making it the ultimate holiday treat, party appetizer, or festive family snack. Plus, it's super simple to prepare and loads of fun to eat. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Kid-Friendly Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Snack
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes!
- Adorably festive for holiday parties or family gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses or fillings.
- Keeps kids involved and excited in the kitchen.
- Crispy, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying for everyone.
Ingredients for the Best Kid-Friendly Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Snack
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 150g (5 oz) sliced ham (deli or leftover ham works great)
- 120g (4 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 90g (3 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions for Kid-Friendly Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Snack
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
Step 2: Roll & Layer
Unroll one puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (if using) over the pastry. Evenly distribute all the ham, then sprinkle both mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
Step 3: Top & Shape
Place the second puff pastry sheet over the fillings to cover. Gently press the edges to seal. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut out a large Christmas tree shape. (Don’t worry if it’s rustic—the more homemade, the better!)
Step 4: Cut and Twist Branches
With the tree shape in front of you, make 1-inch horizontal cuts on both sides of the tree, stopping about 1 inch from the center trunk. Carefully twist each branch a couple of times for a pretty effect.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk together the egg and milk and brush the surface of the pastry generously. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden and puffed up.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Remove from oven, sprinkle with dried herbs or parsley, and let it cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy pulling apart those cheesy branches!
Notes for the Best Kid-Friendly Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Snack
- Keep your puff pastry cold until you're ready to use it for the flakiest layers.
- For more even twisting, use a pizza cutter to cut the branches.
- You can add a touch of spice with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper if your family likes heat!
3 Tasty Variations of Kid-Friendly Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Snack
- Veggie Delight: Swap ham for sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Turkey & Swiss: Try thin-sliced turkey with Swiss cheese for a mild twist.
- Breakfast Tree: Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon bits, and cheese for a morning treat.
Required Equipment for Making the Perfect Kid-Friendly Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Snack
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowl (for egg wash)
Storage Instructions for Kid-Friendly Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Snack
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 crisp up. Freezing is not recommended as it may soften the pastry.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings
- Pair with a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy meal.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit or veggie sticks for a balanced snack.
- Great with a tangy dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch.
Pro Tips for Kid-Friendly Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Snack Perfection
- Let the pastry thaw just until pliable—don’t let it get too warm, or it will be tough to handle (here’s how).
- Brush the pastry’s edges with extra egg wash for a deeply golden finish.
- Let kids help with twisting branches for a hands-on experience!
FAQ: Kid-Friendly Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Snack
- Can I make this snack in advance? Yes! Assemble the tree, cover, and refrigerate up to 12 hours in advance. Bake fresh for best texture.
- What can I use instead of ham? Try cooked bacon, turkey, or just more veggies for a vegetarian version.
- Is this tree snack freezer-friendly? It's best freshly baked, but you can freeze unbaked, filled pastry wrapped tightly for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5 minutes to the cooking time (learn more at BBC Good Food).
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 150 g sliced ham
- 120 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
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2Unroll one sheet of puff pastry onto the prepared baking tray. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (optional) over the pastry.
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3Layer sliced ham evenly over the pastry, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
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4Place the second puff pastry sheet over the fillings. With a sharp knife, cut out a large Christmas tree shape, removing the excess pastry.
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5Cut horizontal strips along both sides of the tree, then gently twist each strip to form branches.
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6Mix the beaten egg with milk and brush over the pastry. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown. Garnish with fresh parsley 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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