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Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees : Easy Holiday Appetizer

Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees : Easy Holiday Appetizer
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Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are a festive and easy holiday appetizer that combines flaky puff pastry, savory deli ham, and creamy cheese. Perfectly bite-sized and visually charming, these twisted puff pastry snacks are quick to assemble, baked to golden perfection, and ideal for holiday parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in. Optional mustard and seed toppings add flavor and festive flair, making them a crowd-pleasing treat that’s both elegant and simple to make.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • Ready-made puff pastry sheets (2 sheets, thawed)
  • Deli ham slices (about 8-10 thin slices)
  • Cheese (Gruyere or Cheddar recommended, about 4 oz, sliced into strips)

Optional Flavor Enhancers

  • Dijon mustard (1-2 tablespoons, optional)
  • Poppy seeds or sesame seeds (for sprinkling, optional)

Finishing

  • Egg wash (1 beaten egg)

Instructions

  1. Preparing Your Ingredients: Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions until just soft enough to unfold. Slice ham and cheese into thin strips of similar size for even layering.
  2. Layering the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, place one sheet of puff pastry. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard if using. Layer ham slices evenly over the pastry, followed by cheese strips. Top with the second puff pastry sheet and gently press to seal the layers together.
  3. Cutting the Christmas Tree Shapes: Using a sharp knife, cut the layered pastry into strips about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Carefully twist each strip multiple times to form a spiral resembling Christmas tree branches.
  4. Adding Final Touches: Stand each twisted strip upright on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush generously with egg wash to promote golden browning and sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds if desired for extra texture and festive appearance.
  5. Baking to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Keep pastry cold and work quickly to prevent stickiness and preserve flakiness.
  • Use a sharp knife for clean cuts to maintain neat twists.
  • Do not overload with filling; thin layers bake more evenly and crisp nicely.
  • Brush egg wash generously for a vibrant golden finish and to help seeds adhere.
  • Serve freshly baked for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and cheese, puff pastry, holiday appetizer, Christmas tree appetizer, festive snacks, easy holiday recipe, savory bites

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/ham-cheese-puff-pastry-christmas-trees-easy-holiday-appetizer/