Festive Beef Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe
Introduction
Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful Festive Beef Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees! Crispy, cheesy, and full of savory flavor, they make the perfect appetizer or snack for any festive gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets of good quality, all-butter puff pastry
- Thinly sliced, good quality beef ham
- Grated sharp cheddar cheese (or mild cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water or milk (for egg wash)
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried herbs (oregano or thyme), small pretzel sticks, cream cheese or melted cheese (for attaching star shape)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Unroll one sheet of chilled puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about a 10×12 inch (25×30 cm) rectangle.
- Step 3: Spread a thin, even layer of grated cheese over the pastry, leaving about a ½-inch (1 cm) border along one of the longer edges. Arrange thinly sliced beef ham over the cheese in a single, even layer.
- Step 4: Unroll the second sheet of puff pastry and place it on top of the beef ham and cheese layer. Press down gently to adhere the layers together.
- Step 5: Trim the edges to create a neat rectangle, then cut the layered pastry into vertical strips, about ¾-inch (2 cm) wide.
- Step 6: Take one strip and twist it several times from both ends to form a spiral. Fold the twisted strip back and forth into a zigzag pattern to shape it into a tree.
- Step 7: Transfer the formed Christmas trees to the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each one. Whisk together the egg and a tablespoon of water or milk to create an egg wash, and lightly brush the tops and sides of each pastry tree.
- Step 8: Sprinkle with optional garnishes if desired.
- Step 9: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 10: Let the trees cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If using, insert a small pretzel stick into the base of each tree for a cute ‘trunk’ before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use Gruyère or mozzarella for a milder, creamier flavor.
- For a festive touch, attach a small star-shaped piece of cheese or pastry to the top using cream cheese or melted cheese as glue.
- Try adding a sprinkle of dried herbs like oregano or thyme for extra aroma.
- Make sure your puff pastry is chilled for easier handling and better puffing.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen before baking. To freeze, shape the trees and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of grating my own?
Yes, pre-shredded cheese works fine, but freshly grated cheese often melts better and has a superior flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have beef ham?
Turkey, prosciutto, or smoked chicken slices make great alternatives and pair well with the cheese and puff pastry.
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Festive Beef Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 puff pastry Christmas trees 1x
Description
These Festive Beef Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are a delightful and visually charming appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of flaky all-butter puff pastry are filled with savory beef ham and sharp cheddar cheese, twisted into whimsical tree shapes, brushed with a golden egg wash, and optionally garnished with seeds and herbs for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Layers
- 2 sheets of good quality, all-butter puff pastry
- Thinly sliced, good quality beef ham (approx. 6-8 slices)
- Grated sharp cheddar cheese (or mild cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella), about 1 to 1½ cups
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water or milk
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Dried herbs such as oregano or thyme
- Small pretzel sticks (for tree trunks)
- Cream cheese or melted cheese (to attach star shapes if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the puff pastry base: On a lightly floured surface, unroll one chilled puff pastry sheet and roll it out gently to a rectangle approximately 10×12 inches (25×30 cm) to create an even base.
- Add cheese and ham layers: Spread a thin, even layer of grated cheese over the pastry, leaving about a ½-inch (1 cm) border on one long edge. Then arrange a single, even layer of thinly sliced beef ham on top of the cheese.
- Layer with second puff pastry sheet: Unroll the second puff pastry sheet and carefully place it over the beef ham and cheese layer. Press gently all over to seal the layers together.
- Trim and cut strips: Trim the edges to create a neat rectangle, then slice the layered pastry into vertical strips approximately ¾-inch (2 cm) wide.
- Form Christmas trees: Take each strip and twist it several times from both ends to form a spiral shape. Then fold the twisted strip back and forth in a zigzag pattern to shape it like a Christmas tree.
- Place on baking sheets and apply egg wash: Arrange the shaped trees on the parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them apart. Whisk together the egg and water (or milk) to make an egg wash, and lightly brush the tops and sides of each pastry tree to promote browning.
- Add optional garnishes: Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or dried herbs on top for additional flavor and festive appearance if desired.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the puff pastry is fully puffed, golden brown, and the cheese has melted and become bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the Christmas trees cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Optionally, insert a small pretzel stick into the base of each tree to serve as a trunk. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute the cheese with your preferred melting cheese such as Gruyère or mozzarella for different flavors.
- Ensure your puff pastry sheets are well-chilled before working to make them easier to handle and to achieve maximum puffiness when baked.
- The egg wash ensures a shiny, golden finish on the pastry, but can be omitted for a vegan option by using a plant-based milk glaze instead.
- These festive trees can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving to maintain crispiness.
- Optional garnishes like small star-shaped cutouts from puff pastry can be added on top with a dab of cream cheese or melted cheese to enhance decoration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Keywords: Festive appetizer, puff pastry, Christmas tree snacks, beef ham, cheese pastry, holiday party food, savory puff pastry
