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Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees

Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees bake up flaky and deep golden brown, with Swiss cheese and finely chopped ham tucked between pastry layers. Cut, twist, and bake them into festive pull-apart branches for an easy holiday appetizer.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
resting 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 690
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry thawed according to package directions
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 8 oz ham deli, finely chopped
  • 8 oz Swiss cheese shredded
  • 1 egg large
  • 1 tbsp water

Equipment

  • 2 rimmed baking sheets

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. For each tree, stack 2 pastry sheets and cut through both into a tree shape with a centered point, sloping sides, and a short rectangular trunk at the bottom.
  4. Place one cut sheet on each prepared pan and set the matching tops aside.
  5. Spread 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard over each bottom pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
  6. Divide the ham and cheese between them.
  7. Add the matching pastry tops and press the edges lightly to seal.
  8. Cut horizontal slits through both pastry layers from each sloping edge toward the center, stopping about 1 1/2 inches short of the center spine and spacing the slits about 3/4 inch apart.
  9. Twist each branch twice.
  10. Beat the egg with the water.
  11. Brush the egg mixture over the pastry.
  12. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, switching the pans’ positions halfway through, until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown.
  13. Let the trees rest on the pans for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Keep the pastry cold while shaping for the flakiest layers. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended after baking. For a pork-free swap, use chopped deli turkey.