Hey y'all! Ready to make your holiday table extra merry and mouthwatering? This Savory Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Garlic Butter is flaky, cheesy, and perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy family nights. Not only is it irresistibly delicious, but it also looks super festive and will wow your guests with every bite. Gather everyone around, because this is one appetizer that's as fun to pull apart as it is to eat. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Savory Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Garlic Butter
- It’s quick and simple to prep, but looks extra impressive on any holiday table.
- Flaky, buttery puff pastry pairs perfectly with melty cheese and savory ham in every bite.
- Customizable with your favorite deli meats or cheeses for endless flavor options.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-approved as a shareable appetizer or snack.
- The garlicky butter topping adds a crave-worthy aroma and golden crunch.
Ingredients for Savory Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Garlic Butter
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed (about 17 oz total)
- 6 oz thinly sliced ham
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or oregano)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Savory Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Garlic Butter
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully unroll or unfold both sheets of thawed puff pastry and place one sheet on the prepared baking tray.
Step 2: Layer the Ham & Cheese
Spread an even layer of thinly sliced ham over the puff pastry sheet, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Top evenly with both mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
Step 3: Top & Shape the Christmas Tree
Place the second puff pastry sheet directly on top to cover the filling. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the layered pastry into a large triangle (save the scraps for mini star toppers!). Gently score two lines from the top point toward the base to define your tree trunk area (about 1-1.5 inches wide at the bottom). Along both sides of the triangle, cut horizontal "branches" (about 1-inch wide) up to the trunk area, leaving the center intact. Twist each branch gently for a swirled effect.
Step 4: Brush, Bake & Finish
Brush the entire pastry with beaten egg for shine. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Step 5: Add the Garlic Butter
While the pastry bakes, mix melted butter, minced garlic, Italian herbs, and black pepper together. As soon as the Christmas tree comes out of the oven, brush generously with the garlic butter. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes for the Best Savory Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Garlic Butter
- Let the puff pastry thaw just enough so it's pliable but still cold for easy handling and flakier results (learn more about thawing puff pastry).
- Don’t skip the egg wash—it gives your pastry a beautiful, shiny finish.
- Use quality cheese and ham for the most flavorful bites.
Variations for Your Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
- Vegetarian: Skip the ham and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
- Pesto Chicken: Replace ham with thin slices of cooked chicken breast and brush the inside with pesto before adding cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Swap cheddar for pepper jack and add diced jalapeños for heat.
Required Equipment for Savory Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Garlic Butter
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Pastry brush
Storage Instructions for Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
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 8-10 minutes until crisp and warm. Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the pastry.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Pair with a fresh green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.
- Serve alongside a festive soup like butternut squash or tomato basil.
- Offer a dish of dijon or honey mustard for extra dipping flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Savory Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Garlic Butter
- Work quickly when assembling to prevent the puff pastry from getting too warm and sticky (tips for working with puff pastry).
- Chill assembled tree in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking for extra flaky layers.
- If you're making ahead, assemble the tree and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking fresh.
FAQ: Savory Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Garlic Butter
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble the tree, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake fresh before serving for best texture.
- What cheeses work best?
- Mozzarella and cheddar provide a delicious melt, but Swiss, provolone, or even gouda can be used for variety.
- Is puff pastry the same as phyllo dough?
- No, puff pastry is thicker and bakes up flakier than phyllo. For the best festive results, use puff pastry as recommended (read more about the difference here).
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 150 g sliced ham
- 120 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 80 g shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2Unroll both puff pastry sheets. On one sheet, evenly distribute the ham slices and sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
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3Place the second puff pastry sheet on top and gently press to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut the layered pastry into a large Christmas tree shape. Cut horizontal strips for branches on both sides, leaving the center intact, then twist each branch.
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4Brush the tree with beaten egg. Bake for 20-23 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
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5While the tree is baking, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and mix in chopped parsley.
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6Once baked, remove the tree from the oven and immediately brush with garlic butter. Serve warm and enjoy!
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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