Chef's Essential Tips

Puff Pastry Handling: Ensure your puff pastry stays cold while you work. If it gets too warm, it may become difficult to handle and won’t puff up as nicely.
Filling Variations: Feel free to mix and match your cheese or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for variety. Just ensure to chop them finely.
Make Ahead: You can assemble these trees a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge before baking. Just brush with egg wash right before baking.
Serving Suggestions: Pair these tasty trees with a festive dipping sauce like honey mustard or a creamy ranch for an extra treat.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Freezing: These appetizers freeze well before baking. Just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Essential Ingredients Selection

Puff Pastry: Essential for that flaky, buttery base, puff pastry is the star of this recipe. It creates the perfect texture and structure for your festive trees.
Egg: Used for the egg wash, it gives the pastry a beautiful golden color when baked. An essential element for that appealing finish.
Cooked Ham: This savory filling brings a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with cheese. Use high-quality ham for the best taste.
Cheddar Cheese: Offers a rich and sharp flavor that enhances the overall taste of the filling. Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese variety.
Cream Cheese: Provides creaminess, binding the filling together while adding a slight tang. It helps elevate the flavors and keeps the filling moist.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a zesty kick that complements the richness of the cheese and ham. It can be substituted with other mustards for different flavor profiles.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory notes in the filling. Fresh garlic can be used, but powdered offers a smoother consistency.
Onion Powder: It adds depth to the filling without overwhelming flavors. A simple way to enhance the savory taste.
Salt: Essential for highlighting the other flavors in the dish. Use a pinch for balance, being mindful of sodium in ham.
Pepper: Adds a subtle heat that rounds out the flavors. Freshly cracked black pepper is recommended for the best taste.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Serving Warm:

These puff pastry trees are best served warm. Arrange them on a festive platter for an eye-catching appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.

Garnishing for Presentation:

Once baked, let the trees cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley and sesame seeds. This final step enhances both visual appeal and flavor.

Baking to Perfection:

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Watch for a puffy, golden appearance which indicates they are ready to be removed from the oven.

Applying the Egg Wash:

Brush the edges and tops of the shapes with the beaten egg. This not only gives a golden-brown finish but also helps seal the pastry, keeping the filling secure.

Decoration with Stars:

Cut out small star shapes from the leftover pastry to place on top of the trees. This decorative touch adds a charming holiday look, making your appetizers more inviting.

Assembling the Trees:

Spoon the filling onto the pastry shapes, taking care not to overfill. Proper filling management is key to prevent leaks and ensure the trees hold their shape during baking.

Crafting the Filling:

In a mixing bowl, blend together the chopped ham, cheese, cream cheese, mustard, and spices. This step is vital for ensuring each bite bursts with flavor, so mix thoroughly for an even distribution.

Shaping the Christmas Trees:

Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter or knife to cut the puff pastry into festive tree shapes. These playful forms not only make for great presentation but also enhance the holiday spirit at your gathering.

Preparing Your Puff Pastry:

Start by ensuring your puff pastry is thawed and cold. Lightly flour your working surface and roll out the pastry to about 1/8 inch thick. This thickness is crucial for achieving a deliciously flaky texture when baked.

The Complete Guide to Mastering Festive Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees

Serving Warm:

These puff pastry trees are best served warm. Arrange them on a festive platter for an eye-catching appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.

Garnishing for Presentation:

Once baked, let the trees cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley and sesame seeds. This final step enhances both visual appeal and flavor.

Baking to Perfection:

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Watch for a puffy, golden appearance which indicates they are ready to be removed from the oven.

Applying the Egg Wash:

Brush the edges and tops of the shapes with the beaten egg. This not only gives a golden-brown finish but also helps seal the pastry, keeping the filling secure.

Decoration with Stars:

Cut out small star shapes from the leftover pastry to place on top of the trees. This decorative touch adds a charming holiday look, making your appetizers more inviting.

Assembling the Trees:

Spoon the filling onto the pastry shapes, taking care not to overfill. Proper filling management is key to prevent leaks and ensure the trees hold their shape during baking.

Crafting the Filling:

In a mixing bowl, blend together the chopped ham, cheese, cream cheese, mustard, and spices. This step is vital for ensuring each bite bursts with flavor, so mix thoroughly for an even distribution.

Shaping the Christmas Trees:

Preparing Your Puff Pastry:

Master Your Recipe: Pro Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Trees

Add edible glitter or herbs for a festive look, making them even more appealing for holiday parties.

Keep an eye on your trees while baking, as oven temperatures can vary. You want a nice golden brown color.

Use a food processor for quick chopping if you have a large quantity of ham to prepare.

Use a pizza cutter for quick and even cuts on the puff pastry, especially if you're doing multiple trees.

Festive Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees | Easy Holiday Appetizer

Name: Festive Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees | Easy Holiday Appetizer
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Puff Pastry:; 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen); 1 egg (beaten for egg wash); For the Filling:; 1 cup cooked ham (finely chopped); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; For Garnish:; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Bring a sparkle to your holiday gatherings with these delightful Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees! Featuring flaky puff pastry, savory ham, and gooey cheese, these bite-sized treats perfectly blend flavors and textures, making them an irresistible starter for any festive occasion. The rich, buttery pastry contrasts beautifully with the tangy, melted cheese and the smoky notes of ham, creating a mouthwatering experience that will leave your guests wanting more. Ideal for Christmas parties, New Year's Eve celebrations, or family get-togethers, these appetizers are not just delicious; they also evoke the warmth and joy of shared moments. With their charming, tree-shaped presentation, they are sure to add a touch of holiday magic to your table, making every gathering feel extra special.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry:

1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

1 egg (beaten for egg wash)

For the Filling:

1 cup cooked ham (finely chopped)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it's about 1/8 inch thick. This helps create a flaky texture once baked.

Cut the puff pastry into tree shapes. Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter or freehand your design for a whimsical look.

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped ham, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined for a flavorful filling.

Place a spoonful of the ham and cheese mixture on each puff pastry tree, ensuring not to overload them.

Using the remaining pastry, cut out small star shapes to place on top of the trees for decoration.

Brush the edges of the trees with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.

Place the star cutouts on top of the filling and brush them with egg wash as well.

Arrange the trees on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for expansion during baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before garnishing with chopped parsley and sesame seeds if desired.

Serve warm and enjoy this festive treat with friends and family!