Description
This Puff Pastry Christmas Trees recipe is a festive and savory appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of flaky puff pastry, ham, and pepper jack cheese are shaped into charming mini Christmas trees, baked until golden, and finished with a buttery herb glaze and cheddar cheese star toppers for a delightful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry and Filling
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 6 slices ham, thinly sliced
- 6 slices pepper jack cheese
Butter Glaze
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 Tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Garnish
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, for star toppers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Assemble Pastry Layers: Roll out one sheet of puff pastry on a clean, flat surface. Evenly layer the thinly sliced ham over the pastry, then layer the pepper jack cheese on top. Cover with the second puff pastry sheet, ensuring it is evenly laid down.
- Cut Pastry Strips: Using a pizza slicer or sharp knife, cut the layered puff pastry into 8 equal strips, each about 1 inch wide to create individual tree shapes.
- Shape the Trees: Take each strip and accordion-fold it in a way that it starts wide at the bottom and tapers towards the top to resemble a Christmas tree shape. Insert a skewer through the center of each strip to hold the shape, leaving some space at the top for the star garnish. Place the shaped trees upright on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the shaped puff pastry trees in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Prepare and Apply Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with fresh chopped parsley, onion powder, and garlic salt. Once the trees are out of the oven and still warm, generously brush this butter mixture over each tree to add flavor and a glossy finish.
- Make and Attach Cheese Stars: Allow the trees to cool slightly. Meanwhile, use a small star-shaped cookie cutter to cut star shapes from the cheddar cheese. Place one cheddar star onto the top of each skewer, serving as the tree topper.
- Serve: Serve the puff pastry Christmas trees warm as a festive appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For best results, ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling to prevent tearing.
- You can substitute ham and pepper jack with other deli meats and cheeses as desired.
- Use a fresh herb like parsley to add color and flavor to the butter glaze.
- These can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Be careful when inserting skewers to maintain the shape without piercing completely through the bottom.
- Use parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff pastry tree
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
