Hey y'all! If you're looking to wow your guests this holiday season, these Mini Ham & Swiss Puff Pastry Christmas Trees for Holiday Appetizers are the answer. Buttery, flaky, and irresistibly cheesy, they're perfect for everything from Christmas brunch to festive parties and even cozy nights in. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this easy recipe brings holiday cheer straight to your table. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Mini Ham & Swiss Puff Pastry Christmas Trees for Holiday Appetizers Recipe
- Super simple and quick—a total showstopper made in less than 35 minutes.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing, combining classic flavors everyone loves.
- Endlessly customizable with different fillings and cheeses.
- Perfect for prepping ahead and popping in the oven just before serving.
- Festive, flaky, and packed with savory goodness in every bite!
Ingredients for Mini Ham & Swiss Puff Pastry Christmas Trees for Holiday Appetizers
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed, about 8 ounces)
- 4 oz (113g) thinly sliced deli ham
- 3 oz (85g) shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Directions: How to Make Mini Ham & Swiss Puff Pastry Christmas Trees for Holiday Appetizers
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 12x10 inches.
Step 2: Add the Filling
Spread Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border. Layer ham slices over the mustard, then sprinkle the Swiss cheese evenly on top.
Step 3: Slice and Shape into Christmas Trees
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry lengthwise into 10 thin strips. Carefully pick up one strip at a time, fold it back and forth (accordion style) to create tree branches, then press the bottom together to form a tree trunk. Place each shaped tree onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Glaze and Bake
Brush the tops with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve warm and enjoy this holiday treat!
Notes for Perfect Mini Ham & Swiss Puff Pastry Christmas Trees for Holiday Appetizers
- Keep puff pastry chilled until ready to use for maximum flakiness.
- You can prep and shape the trees a few hours ahead, then refrigerate until baking.
- Check out these expert puff pastry tips for more guidance on handling and baking!
Mini Ham & Swiss Puff Pastry Christmas Trees: Variations
- Turkey & Cheddar: Substitute ham for turkey and Swiss for sharp cheddar.
- Vegetarian Spinach & Feta: Use sautéed spinach and crumbled feta cheese for a meatless option.
- Honey Mustard Ham Trees: Add a drizzle of honey to the mustard for a sweet-savory twist.
Required Equipment for Mini Ham & Swiss Puff Pastry Christmas Trees for Holiday Appetizers
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Pastry brush
Storage Instructions for Mini Ham & Swiss Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6-8 minutes until crisp. Not recommended for freezing after baking as the pastry may lose its flakiness.
More on safe food storage here.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions for Mini Ham & Swiss Puff Pastry Christmas Trees for Holiday Appetizers
- Serve with cranberry sauce or whole grain mustard for dipping.
- Pair with mulled wine, sparkling cider, or your favorite holiday punch.
- These trees make a beautiful addition to a charcuterie board or appetizer platter.
Pro Tips for the Best Mini Ham & Swiss Puff Pastry Christmas Trees for Holiday Appetizers
- Work quickly with puff pastry to prevent it from getting too soft and sticky.
- For extra shine and golden color, brush the trees generously with the egg wash.
- Read why chilling formed shapes before baking improves results at Bon Appétit.
FAQ: Mini Ham & Swiss Puff Pastry Christmas Trees for Holiday Appetizers
- Can I use other types of cheese?
- Yes! Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella all work beautifully.
- Can I make these in advance?
- You can assemble and refrigerate up to 8 hours ahead; just bake fresh before serving so they're crisp.
- Do I have to use store-bought puff pastry?
- No—but store-bought saves tons of time. If you're feeling adventurous, make homemade! See instructions from King Arthur Baking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Servings: 10 mini trees
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 100g sliced ham
- 100g Swiss cheese, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Flour for dusting
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle. Spread Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry.
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3Layer the ham and Swiss cheese over the mustard, ensuring even coverage.
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4Slice the pastry into 12 strips and gently twist each strip, then shape each twisted strip into a Christmas tree form on the prepared baking sheet.
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5Brush the trees with beaten egg, sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
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6Cool slightly, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
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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