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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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These Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are a festive and easy holiday appetizer featuring flaky, buttery puff pastry shaped like Christmas trees, filled with savory ham and gooey melting cheese. Perfect for holiday parties, they offer a delightful crunch, rich flavor, and charming presentation that will disappear quickly at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed, about 8x8 inches)
  • 6–8 thin slices ham
  • 6–8 thin slices melting cheese such as Swiss or Gruyere
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Optional Seasonings & Variations

  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
  • Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil (optional)
  • Fig jam (optional, for sweet and savory variation)
  • Gluten-free puff pastry (optional, for gluten-free version)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Thaw the puff pastry sheet according to package instructions until pliable but still cold. Thinly slice ham and cheese for easy rolling and even layering.
  2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Lightly dust a work surface with flour, unfold the puff pastry, and roll it gently into a smooth rectangle to even out folds and create an even layer.
  3. Layer with Filling: Brush a thin layer of Dijon mustard across the pastry. Evenly lay the ham slices over the mustard, then cover with cheese slices, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. Shape into Christmas Trees: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Slice the log into 1 to 1.5 inch thick sections. Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, make small cuts along each side of each slice to create the “branches,” taking care not to cut all the way through.
  5. Twist and Arrange: Gently twist each branch outward, alternating directions to form a Christmas tree shape. Place the trees upright on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Beat the egg and brush each tree with the egg wash to achieve a shiny, golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the Christmas trees to cool slightly so the cheese sets enough to be enjoyed without burning your mouth, then serve.

Notes

  • Keep pastry cold between steps to prevent sticking and ensure flakiness.
  • Use sharp scissors for clean, even cuts to shape well-defined branches.
  • Don’t overfill with ham or cheese to avoid leakage and sogginess.
  • Work quickly to maintain puff pastry structure and texture.
  • For richer color and shine, mix egg yolk with water or milk for the egg wash.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ham and cheese appetizer, puff pastry appetizer, holiday appetizer, Christmas tree appetizer, easy party bites, festive appetizers, savory pastry, holiday snacks

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