Description
These adorable Stacked Puff Pastry Christmas Trees with Ham & Cheese are a festive and delicious treat perfect for the holiday season! Imagine crispy, golden puff pastry layers enveloping warm, melty ham and cheese. These delightful stacks are not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying to eat. They evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, reminiscent of cherished moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones. This recipe is easy to follow and customizable, making it a delightful addition to any holiday gathering or a fun baking project with family.
Ingredients:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 6–8 slices deli ham, thin
- 6–8 slices cheese (Gruyère, Swiss, mozzarella, or gouda)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Wooden skewers
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry slightly to even out the thickness. (Approx. 3 minutes)
Step 3: Cut the puff pastry into graduated squares: large (3.5–4 inches), medium (3 inches), small (2 inches), and very small (1–1.5 inches). Aim for 4–5 squares per tree. (Approx. 5 minutes)
Step 4: For the bottom 2–3 layers of each tree, assemble the squares with ham and cheese: square → ham → cheese → square. This creates a melty, layered base. The upper layers should remain plain puff pastry squares. (Approx. 4 minutes)
Step 5: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tbsp of water to create an egg wash. Brush each square lightly with the egg wash. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and visual appeal. (Approx. 2 minutes)
Step 6: Place the squares separately on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and a deep golden brown. It’s important to bake the squares separately and not assembled into trees. (Approx. 18 minutes)
Step 7: Allow the baked puff pastry squares to cool slightly. Once they are cool enough to handle, thread them onto wooden skewers, starting with the largest square at the bottom and layering smaller squares upward, finishing with the tiny square at the top. (Approx. 5 minutes)
Step 8: Sprinkle fresh, finely chopped parsley over the tops of the assembled Christmas trees for a festive green touch. (Approx. 1 minute)
Why you’ll love this recipe
This recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Festive and Fun: The Christmas tree shape instantly adds a touch of holiday cheer to any table.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, these trees are surprisingly easy to assemble.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by using different types of cheese, ham, or adding other fillings.
- Delicious: The combination of flaky puff pastry, savory ham, and melty cheese is simply irresistible.
- Perfect for Sharing: These little trees are great for parties, gatherings, or a festive snack for the family.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer at your next holiday gathering.
- Include them in a festive brunch spread.
- Pair them with a warm bowl of soup for a cozy winter meal.
- Offer them as a fun and interactive snack for kids.
Tips:
- Make sure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold to prevent it from becoming sticky and difficult to work with.
- Don’t overfill the puff pastry squares with ham and cheese, as this can prevent them from puffing up properly during baking.
- For a richer flavor, consider using a flavored ham, such as black forest or honey ham.
- Get creative with your cheese selection! Gruyère, Swiss, mozzarella, and gouda all work well, but feel free to experiment with other types of cheese.
- If you don’t have wooden skewers, you can also serve the puff pastry squares deconstructed on a platter.
- Store leftover Christmas trees in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 14 minutes
- Baking Time: 18 minutes
- Assembly Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 190 kcal per tree
- Protein: Varies depending on the type of ham and cheese used
- Sodium: Varies depending on the type of ham and cheese used
Conclusion
These Stacked Puff Pastry Christmas Trees with Ham & Cheese are a delightful and festive treat that is sure to impress your family and friends. They are easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a fun baking project or a unique appetizer for your next holiday gathering, these little trees are the perfect choice! So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these adorable and tasty Christmas tree stacks.
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Gruyère, Swiss, mozzarella, and gouda are all great choices, but feel free to experiment with your favorite types of cheese. Cheddar, provolone, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan would also work well.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the puff pastry squares with the ham and cheese filling ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. However, it’s best to assemble the trees just before serving to prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy.
Q3: What if I don’t have wooden skewers?
A: If you don’t have wooden skewers, you can simply serve the puff pastry squares deconstructed on a platter. Arrange the squares in a Christmas tree shape and let your guests assemble their own trees.
Q4: Can I add other fillings to these trees?
A: Yes, you can definitely get creative with the fillings! Consider adding some cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or a sprinkle of caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture.
Q5: Are these suitable for vegetarians?
A: To make these vegetarian, simply omit the ham and replace it with a vegetarian alternative, such as sliced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or a layer of pesto. You could also use a vegetarian ham substitute.
