Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Tree Skewers Recipe
Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Trees are festive and delicious appetizers perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of flaky puff pastry, savory deli ham, and melty cheese are transformed into charming tree shapes using skewers, brushed with a garlic-parsley butter glaze, then baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 24 puff pastry trees 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry & Meat
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
- 12 slices of deli ham (thinly sliced)
Cheese
- 12 slices of cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella)
Glaze
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Additional
- 24 wooden skewers
- Sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds (optional)
- Thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam (optional for sweet-savory flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Assemble Layers: Lay out one pastry sheet flat on a clean surface. Arrange cheese slices evenly over the pastry, then layer with deli ham slices. Carefully place the second puff pastry sheet on top and gently press down to seal the layers together.
- Cut and Shape: Slice the layered pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Take each strip and fold it back and forth around a wooden skewer to form a festive tree shape, ensuring the folds create a layered look.
- Brush Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Brush this flavorful glaze generously over each folded pastry tree. If desired, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds over the top for added texture and visual appeal.
- Bake: Place the prepared pastry trees on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the puff pastry is fully puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the trees to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm but remain tasty at room temperature, making them perfect for parties and gatherings.
Notes
- Use star-shaped cheese cutouts on top of the trees for a decorative holiday touch.
- For a sweet-savory twist, spread a thin layer of honey mustard or fig jam beneath the cheese layer before assembling.
- Substitute ham with turkey slices or use a spinach-artichoke spread for a vegetarian alternative.
- Make sure puff pastry is fully thawed before using to ensure easy handling and even baking.
- Wooden skewers help maintain the tree shape during baking; make sure to fold pastry tightly around them.
Keywords: ham and cheese puff pastry, holiday appetizers, puff pastry trees, savory puff pastry snacks
