HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES Recipe – Cozy, Cheesy Bites for Holiday Magic

Introduction

The oven fills the kitchen with buttery, garlicky warmth and I instantly feel like a kid again. When I pull these little bites out, everyone gathers round — eyes bright and plates ready. This recipe for HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES lands on my holiday table every year. Also, it’s perfect for last-minute guests and quiet nights with a mug of something warm. If you love party bites, try them just like my favorite sandwich recipe, the Addictive Cream Cheese Bacon Ranch Chicken Sandwiches, for a full cozy spread.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, even with busy holiday plans.
• Comforting homemade flavor with golden, flaky pastry.
• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Great for parties, brunches, or a kid-friendly snack.
• Always a crowd-pleaser — flaky, savory, and just a touch sweet if you add jam.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
• 12 slices deli ham (thinly sliced)
• 12 slices cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella work well) — Fresh slices melt nicely.
• 24 wooden skewers
• 4 tbsp melted butter — Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt.
• 2 tsp minced garlic — Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds (optional holiday flair)
• Add a thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam under the cheese for a sweet-savory combo
• Use star-shaped cheese cutouts on top for a decorative “tree topper”
• Swap ham for turkey or a spinach-artichoke spread for a vegetarian version
• One tip: If you like hearty flavors, serve alongside a savory main like my Amish Hamburger Steak Bake.

How to Make It

1. Preheat & prep. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Then line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the trees don’t stick.
2. Layer the pastry. Lay out one puff pastry sheet. Next, top it with the cheese slices, and then add the ham slices. Also, if you want a hint of sweetness, spread a thin layer of fig jam or honey mustard under the cheese before layering.
3. Seal with pastry. Add the second sheet of pastry on top and press down lightly to seal. You should feel the dough come together.
4. Cut into strips. Then slice the layered pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Also, keep the cuts straight so the “branches” look neat.
5. Shape the trees. Fold each strip back and forth onto a skewer to resemble a tree shape. When you fold, press gently so the layers stick but still puff.
6. Make the glaze. Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Meanwhile, brush this garlicky glaze over the trees. Also, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds if you want holiday sparkle.
7. Bake until golden. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden. You’ll hear a soft sizzle and smell the garlic and butter — that’s your cue.
8. Cool & serve. Cool slightly and then slide them off the skewers. Finally, add little star-shaped cheese cutouts on top as a tree topper. They taste best warm, but they’re still lovely at room temp.

If you want a heartier spread, pair these with a main dish like this comforting Amish Hamburger Steak Bake for a full meal.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saver: Freeze the shaped trees on the tray for 10 minutes before baking so they hold their shape. Then bake as directed.
• Fix for runny cheese: If the cheese oozes, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F and bake a few minutes longer. That slows the ooze and crisps the pastry.
• Flavor twist: For a sweet-savory bite, swap ham for turkey and add a smear of fig jam. Also, consider a vegetarian version with a spinach-artichoke spread.

Serving Ideas

Serve these at family dinner, Sunday brunch, or your holiday grazing table. Also, they pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, a warm bowl of soup, or a sweet apple dessert. For a brunch board, add nuts, olives, and soft fruits. Also, try them alongside a slice of something comforting like my Apple Crisp Cheesecake for dessert. Little napkins and a big plate make them feel extra special.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to keep the pastry crisp.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked, shaped trees on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–8 minutes to the bake time.
• Leftover idea: Turn leftovers into a warm sandwich — slice the tree and tuck into a roll with fresh greens.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! You can shape them ahead and freeze. Also, they often taste even better the next day.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! Swap ham for turkey or use a spinach-artichoke spread for a vegetarian twist. HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES are forgiving and flexible.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the oven while warm and flaky is my favorite. Then again, they’re tasty at room temp for a party.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden, puffed pastry and a rich, buttery aroma — that’s the sign.

Final Thoughts

This recipe feels like a warm hug on a chilly night. Also, it always brings people together in a way that feels simple and celebratory. For me, HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES remind me of family dinners on Sundays and the little thrill of making something beautiful from humble ingredients. So, try them, tweak them, and most of all, enjoy sharing them with the people you love. HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES make every gathering feel a little more festive.

Conclusion

For more festive puff pastry ideas, check out this lovely version: Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees – Oh So Busy Mum. Also, for another creative twist, see this take on a cheesy tree: Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Christmas Tree | Don’t Go Bacon My Heart.

HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREES

Delicious, flaky Christmas trees made with ham and cheese, perfect for holiday gatherings and parties.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Appetizer, Party Food, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pastry and Fillings

• 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
• 12 slices deli ham (thinly sliced)
• 12 slices cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella) Fresh slices melt nicely.

Other Ingredients

• 24 pieces wooden skewers
• 4 tbsp melted butter Use unsalted butter to control the salt.
• 2 tsp minced garlic Fresh garlic gives extra flavor.
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 pinch sesame or poppy seeds (optional) For holiday flair.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lay out one puff pastry sheet. Top with cheese slices, then add ham slices. Optionally, spread a thin layer of fig jam or honey mustard under the cheese.
3. Add the second sheet of pastry on top and press down lightly to seal.
4. Slice the layered pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
5. Fold each strip back and forth onto a skewer to resemble a tree shape, pressing gently so layers stick.

Baking

1. Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley, then brush over the trees.
2. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
3. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden.

Serving

1. Cool slightly and slide off the skewers. Add star-shaped cheese cutouts on top.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Freeze shaped trees on the tray for 10 minutes before baking. If the cheese oozes, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F and bake longer. For a sweet-savory twist, swap ham for turkey and add fig jam.