Hey y'all! If you're on the hunt for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer to impress guests at your next holiday bash, look no further than this Pull-Apart Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree for Sharing. With flaky, golden layers stuffed with savory ham, gooey cheese, and a touch of Dijon, this festive treat is as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for Christmas, New Year's, or any get-together, it’ll have your guests reaching for more. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Pull-Apart Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree for Sharing
- Super easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.
- Looks stunning on any party table and doubles as edible décor.
- Irresistibly cheesy and savory – guaranteed to disappear fast!
- Perfect for prepping ahead and baking right before serving.
- Totally customizable with your favorite fillings and cheeses.
Pull-Apart Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed (about 17.3 oz/490g total)
- 1 cup finely chopped cooked ham
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley and sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Pull-Apart Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree for Sharing
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently roll out each puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any folds.
Step 2: Assemble the Filling
Spread Dijon mustard evenly over one sheet of puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle chopped ham, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese evenly over the mustard-spread pastry.
Step 3: Form the Christmas Tree
Place the second sheet of puff pastry carefully on top, pressing the edges to seal. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut out a large triangle from the stacked pastry sheets to resemble a Christmas tree (save offcuts for decorating or snacking!). Transfer the triangle to your prepared baking sheet. To create branches, make 1-inch horizontal cuts along both sides of the triangle, leaving a 1-inch strip through the center intact for the tree trunk. Twist each branch gently for a beautiful effect.
Step 4: Egg Wash & Bake
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the entire Christmas tree with egg wash for a golden shine. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until puffed and deeply golden brown.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
While it bakes, combine melted butter with garlic powder. Once the tree is out of the oven, brush it with garlic butter and scatter fresh parsley and sesame seeds on top if desired. Let cool slightly, then serve warm and pull apart to share!
Notes for Pull-Apart Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree for Sharing
- Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed for easy handling and best rise. Find thawing tips at King Arthur Baking.
- Don’t overfill, or the tree may split open while baking.
- This recipe can be doubled if you’re feeding a crowd – just use a larger baking sheet!
Variations for Pull-Apart Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree for Sharing
- Vegetarian: Swap ham for sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
- Italian-Style: Add sliced pepperoni, provolone, and a sprinkle of oregano.
- Spicy: Mix chopped jalapeños into the cheese for a little heat.
Required Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowls
Storage Instructions for Pull-Apart Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree for Sharing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 7–10 minutes or until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as the pastry may become soggy.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
- Serve alongside fresh holiday salads or a tangy honey-mustard dip.
- Pairs well with sparkling wine, mulled cider, or a crisp pilsner.
- Add cherry tomatoes or roasted peppers on the side for color and freshness.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
- Work quickly with puff pastry to keep it cold – this ensures maximum flakiness (learn why).
- Brush with garlic butter right after baking for a rich, savory finish.
- Add a star on top using leftover pastry scraps for an extra festive touch!
FAQ: Pull-Apart Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree for Sharing
- Can I make this Pull-Apart Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble the tree, cover, and refrigerate up to 8 hours ahead. Brush with egg wash and bake just before serving.
- Can I freeze the baked Christmas tree?
- Baked and cooled tree can be wrapped and frozen for 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven until hot.
- What cheese works best for Pull-Apart Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree for Sharing?
- Melty cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, Gruyère, or provolone work best for gooey, cheesy branches.
Recipe Facts
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Serves: 6–8 as an appetizer
Ingredients
- 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
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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2Lay one sheet of puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spread with Dijon mustard.
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3Evenly sprinkle diced ham, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
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4Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top. Using a sharp knife, cut out the shape of a Christmas tree, saving the excess pastry for later use.
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5Cut horizontal slits on both sides of the tree trunk, then twist each strip to form branches. Brush the surface with beaten egg.
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6Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving 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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