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- 2 sheets of ready-made puff pastry - 1 cup diced ham - 1 cup shredded cheese - 1 egg for egg wash - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional) - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Rolling pin - Tree-shaped cookie cutter or knife {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for a golden finish. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking. Lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Roll out one sheet of puff pastry until it is about 1/8-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut the pastry into a festive Christmas tree shape. Place the first tree-shaped pastry on your baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard evenly over the surface. This adds a nice tang. Sprinkle half of the diced ham on top of the mustard. Make sure it’s spread evenly. Next, add half of the shredded cheese. This will melt beautifully. Season the filling with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. This adds extra flavor to your tasty tree. Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry. Cut it into another Christmas tree shape, just like the first. Gently lay this tree over the first one, trapping the filling inside. Press the edges down softly to seal them. To make it look like branches, take a sharp knife and make small cuts along the outer edges. Be careful not to cut through the filling. Brush the top of your pastry tree with the beaten egg. This will give it a lovely golden-brown color. Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden. Once baked, take the tree out and let it cool a bit on the baking sheet. Finally, transfer it to a serving platter. For a festive touch, you can garnish it with fresh parsley or chives. Enjoy your delicious Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees! - Recommended rolling thickness for best results: Roll the puff pastry to about 1/8-inch thick. This thickness helps the pastry puff nicely and ensures a flaky texture. If it’s too thick, it might not cook evenly. If it's too thin, it may tear. - How to avoid overbaking or underbaking: Keep an eye on your pastry while it bakes. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Look for a golden-brown color and a puffy appearance. If it’s brown but not puffed enough, give it a few more minutes. Every oven is different, so adjust as needed. - Pairing with dip sauces: Serve your Christmas trees with a small bowl of Dijon mustard. You can also add a zesty dipping sauce like a honey mustard or a creamy ranch. These dips will add extra flavor and contrast to the savory pastry. - Creative presentation ideas for holiday gatherings: Arrange the trees on a festive platter. Add fresh rosemary sprigs around them for a holiday touch. You can also sprinkle some colorful edible flowers for visual appeal. This will impress your guests and make the dish pop. - Preparing pastries in advance: You can prepare the Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees a few hours ahead. Follow the steps until the egg wash. Cover them and keep in the fridge. Bake just before serving for the best results. - Freezing and reheating instructions: For longer storage, freeze the assembled, unbaked pastries. Wrap them in plastic wrap tightly. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Bake as directed. This will keep them fresh and delicious. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cheese: Opt for cheeses that melt well, like Gruyère or mozzarella, for a gooey filling that complements the ham perfectly. Make It Ahead: You can prepare the Christmas trees and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed spinach or caramelized onions for a unique twist on the classic ham and cheese filling. Perfect the Egg Wash: For an extra shiny finish, add a splash of water or milk to the beaten egg before brushing it on the pastry. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese in these trees. Cheddar gives a sharp flavor. Mozzarella melts well for a gooey texture. Gruyère adds a nutty taste. Feel free to mix cheeses for a unique twist! Each option brings a different taste. Experiment to find your favorite blend. While ham is a classic, you can try other proteins. Turkey works great for a lighter option. Chicken also adds a nice flavor. If you want a vegetarian choice, use spinach or mushrooms. These swaps keep the dish fresh and fun. You can customize it for your guests' preferences. Adding herbs and spices can boost the taste. Try fresh rosemary or thyme for a fragrant touch. A sprinkle of smoked paprika gives a warm flavor. You can also top with sesame seeds for crunch. These small changes make a big impact. Let your creativity shine with these enhancements! Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They will last for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure they cool down before sealing the container. This prevents moisture buildup, which can make the pastry soggy. You can freeze your puff pastry trees before or after baking. To freeze before baking, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to two months. To freeze after baking, let them cool completely first. Then, follow the same wrapping method. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To keep your trees flaky, reheat them in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the trees on a baking sheet. Cover them lightly with foil to prevent burning. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 300°F (150°C) and heat for 5-8 minutes. This keeps the flavor and texture just right. Yes, you can use homemade puff pastry. Homemade pastry offers a fresh taste and a unique texture. However, it requires time and skill to make. Store-bought puff pastry is quick and easy, perfect for busy cooks. I often use store-bought because it saves time and still tastes great. Choose what fits your schedule and skills best. To make these trees vegetarian, swap the ham for veggies. You could use spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers. Add in some extra cheese for flavor. Feta or goat cheese can also work well. You can still use Dijon mustard for added zing. This way, everyone can enjoy a festive treat. These puff pastry trees pair well with many sides. Fresh salads add a nice crunch. Try a light arugula salad with lemon dressing. You can also serve a warm soup, like tomato basil or butternut squash. For fun, offer a small bowl of mustard or a zesty dip. These add great flavor and make the meal special. You learned how to make delicious ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees. This recipe is fun and easy, perfect for your holiday gatherings. Remember the tips for storage and variations to keep it fresh and exciting. Feel free to try different cheeses and proteins to suit your taste. I hope you enjoy making this treat as much as I do. Get ready to impress your friends with a dish that looks great and tastes even better!

Savory Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees

Festive and delicious puff pastry trees filled with ham and cheese, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 sheets thawed ready-made puff pastry
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 each beaten egg
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning blend
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for dusting surface flour
  • for garnish fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour. Roll out one sheet of puff pastry until it is about 1/8-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a tree-shaped cookie cutter, carefully cut the pastry into the shape of a festive Christmas tree.
  • Position the first tree-shaped pastry on the prepared baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard evenly across the surface of the pastry.
  • Sprinkle half of the diced ham over the mustard, ensuring it is distributed evenly. Follow this with half of the shredded cheese. Season the filling with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry and cut it into another Christmas tree shape, identical to the first. Gently lay the second tree over the first one, encapsulating the filling. Press the edges down softly to seal them.
  • To create the appearance of branches, take a sharp knife and make small, shallow cuts along the outer edges of the puff pastry tree. Be cautious not to cut all the way through to the filling.
  • Brush the top of your prepared pastry tree generously with the beaten egg. This will give it a beautiful golden-brown finish once baked.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown, with a flaky texture.
  • Once baked, remove the tree from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring it to a serving platter.
  • For a festive presentation, garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives to add a pop of color.

Notes

Serve alongside a small bowl of mustard or a zesty dipping sauce for added flavor.
Keyword cheese, Christmas, ham, holiday, puff pastry