Description

Delightfully flaky puff pastry twisted into festive holiday tree shapes, layered with savory ham and melty cheese. These charming finger foods are perfect for parties, brunches, or cozy gatherings, combining ease and elegance with a crisp golden finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
12 slices deli ham (thinly sliced)
12 slices cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella)
24 wooden skewers

Optional Garlic Butter Glaze

4 tbsp melted butter
2 tsp minced garlic
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Optional Garnishes

Sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
Assemble Layers: Lay out one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a flat surface. Evenly layer the cheese slices over the pastry, followed by the deli ham slices. Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top and press down gently to seal the layers together.
Cut Strips: Using a sharp knife, slice the layered pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Carefully fold each strip back and forth around a wooden skewer to create the shape of a holiday tree, ensuring the layers twist nicely.
Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley to create a flavorful garlic butter glaze. Brush this mixture generously over each pastry tree for added taste and shine.
Bake: Arrange the skewered pastry trees on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the pastry trees to cool slightly on a cooling rack before serving. They are best enjoyed warm but remain delicious at room temperature.

Notes

For a sweet-savory twist, add a thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam under the cheese before layering the ham.
Use star-shaped cheese cutouts on top of the trees as festive “tree toppers.”
To make a vegetarian version, substitute ham with turkey slices or a spinach-artichoke spread.
Optional sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds adds a decorative flair and subtle flavor.
Ensure puff pastry sheets are fully thawed before assembly for easy handling and best puffing results.