This savory holiday treat has been a seasonal favorite in my kitchen for years. I first made these little ham and cheese puff pastry trees one December evening when friends were coming over for an impromptu holiday gathering. I wanted something that looked festive but didn’t require hours of work, and the result was an instant hit: flaky golden layers, savory ham, and gooey cheese stacked into a charming tree shape that felt like the holidays on a plate. They bake quickly and look spectacular on a platter, which makes them my go-to for last-minute hosting.

What I love most about these trees is how they combine pantry staples with a bit of technique to produce something special. The contrast between the crisp, buttery puff pastry and the soft, melted cheese is what keeps people coming back for more. They’re perfect warm, but they also travel well for potlucks and keep their texture at room temperature — which is essential during busy holiday spreads. If you like finger foods that are both pretty and practical, these will become a repeat request in your house too.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry (2 sheets): Use high-quality, all-butter puff pastry if you can for the best flavor and flakiness. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for 30 minutes until pliable but still cool.
• Deli ham (12 slices): Thinly sliced honey or smoked ham works well. Look for a fresh package rather than pre-sliced from a deli counter for even thickness and better texture when baked.
• Cheese (12 slices): Cheddar, Gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella melt beautifully. Choose a semi-firm sliceable cheese for structure and reliable melting.
• Wooden skewers (24): Standard 6-inch skewers are perfect for folding the strips and holding the tree shape while baking.
• Optional garlic butter glaze: 4 tablespoons melted butter, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley. This adds a savory sheen and aroma without overpowering the ham and cheese.
• Optional seeds: A light sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds adds visual contrast and a delicate crunch — perfect for holiday presentation.

Instructions

Prepare the oven and baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line one or two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper so the trees have room to puff and brown evenly. Position a rack in the center of the oven for balanced heat. Assemble the layered sheets: On a lightly floured surface, unroll one sheet of puff pastry and place it on the prepared surface. Arrange 12 slices of cheese evenly over the sheet, slightly overlapping. Lay the 12 ham slices in a single layer over the cheese. Top with the second sheet of pastry and press gently to seal the layers together, ensuring an even sandwich. Cut into strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza wheel, slice the layered pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Keep a ruler nearby if you prefer even widths: consistent strips help trees bake uniformly. Trim edges if needed to keep even lengths for skewering. Form the tree shapes: Insert a wooden skewer through the center of each strip lengthwise. Fold each strip back and forth over the skewer in an accordion style so the layers create a triangular, tree-like silhouette. Leave about 1 inch of skewer exposed at the bottom for handling. Prepare the glaze: Whisk together 4 tablespoons melted butter, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Brush the glaze lightly over the assembled trees, then sprinkle a few sesame or poppy seeds if using. The butter helps encourage even browning and carries the garlic aroma through the pastry. Bake until golden: Arrange trees spaced at least 1 inch apart on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the pastry is fully puffed and a deep golden brown. Look for crisp edges and bubbling cheese in a few spots as a visual cue. Cool and serve: Let the trees cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack or platter. Serve warm for best texture and melty cheese, though they remain tasty at room temperature.

Storage Tips

These trees keep best in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment to prevent sticking. To retain crispness, reheat on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 6 to 8 minutes rather than using a microwave, which can soften the pastry. For longer storage, assemble unbaked trees on a tray and freeze for one hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5 to 8 minutes to the baking time and watching for deep golden color.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to adapt ingredients, there are many successful swaps. Use thin turkey or roast beef slices instead of ham for a different flavor profile; keep the same number of slices. For a vegetarian option, substitute thin grilled zucchini ribbons and a hearty slice of halloumi or provolone, though texture will differ. Puff pastry can be store-bought gluten-free if available, but baking times may vary and the rise will be reduced. Swap butter in the glaze for olive oil for a dairy-reduced option, or skip the glaze entirely and simply egg-wash the pastry for a shiny finish.

Serving Suggestions

Present the trees on a large platter lined with festive greens or parchment and tuck small bowls of mustard, cranberry relish, or a honey-mustard dip around the edges. They pair beautifully with a simple mixed greens salad or a warm winter soup for a holiday brunch. Garnish each tree with a tiny sprig of fresh parsley or a flake of flaky sea salt right after baking for an extra touch. For a cocktail party, place small picks in the exposed skewer ends and fan them out on tiered trays for dramatic effect.

Cultural Background

Shaped appetizers that use puff pastry are rooted in European baking traditions, where laminated dough has long been prized for its ability to produce flaky, layered textures. The idea of whimsical, shaped finger foods has evolved alongside holiday entertaining traditions, particularly in North America and parts of Europe, where hosts like to present festive bites that are both portable and decorative. This particular ham and cheese combination is classic — deli ham and sliceable cheeses have been reliable staples in home kitchens for decades, adapted into fun seasonal shapes to celebrate gatherings and simplify party prep.

Seasonal Adaptations

In winter, fold small sprigs of fresh rosemary between layers for a pine-like aroma and swap smoked cheeses for a heartier flavor. For spring celebrations, add thin ribbons of roasted red pepper and fresh basil between the layers. At Thanksgiving, consider a cranberry and brie version with a sliver of brie and a touch of cranberry sauce inside each fold. For New Year’s parties, sprinkle coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper on top and serve with champagne or sparkling cider.

Meal Prep Tips

To streamline party day, plan ahead by slicing the pastry strips and layering cheese and ham the night before. Keep assembled but unbaked trees covered and refrigerated; bake just before serving to achieve the best puff and crispness. If you’re feeding a crowd, double the batch and use multiple baking sheets rotated through the oven. Pack cooled leftovers in single layers for grab-and-go lunches, and use a toaster oven or a 10-minute reheat in a conventional oven to refresh texture.

These ham and cheese puff pastry trees are a festive, reliable option for holiday entertaining — pretty enough to impress, simple enough to prepare at the last minute. Give them a try at your next gathering and make them your own with favorite cheeses or glazes; they’re guaranteed to become part of your seasonal repertoire.