Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer (3 Ingredients Only!)

Difficulty: Low

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By Editorial Team

The Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer is a delightful and visually stunning dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Crafted with layers of flaky puff pastry and savory cooked ham, this festive treat is shaped like a Christmas tree, making it the centerpiece of your holiday table. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but its twisted "branches" are also ideal for pulling apart and sharing, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a fun family activity in the kitchen, this appetizer brings festive cheer to any occasion.

Pro Tips

Add grated cheese like mozzarella or Parmesan alongside the ham for a gooey, cheesy twist. Alternatively, swap the ham for smoked salmon or roasted vegetables for a unique flavor profile.
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to make clean cuts when shaping the tree. This ensures a neat and professional look.
To ensure the puff pastry bakes evenly, preheat the oven thoroughly and place the tree in the center of the oven. Rotate the baking tray halfway through the baking time for consistent results.
Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or dried herbs like rosemary over the brushed egg yolk for added flavor and a festive appearance.
Serve the Christmas tree with a dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, cranberry sauce, or a creamy garlic dip, to elevate the flavors.

How to Store

If you have leftovers (though it’s so delicious they might be rare!), proper storage ensures the appetizer stays fresh for another serving:

Refrigeration: Wrap the puff pastry tree tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, place the tree in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in the oven at 180°C/350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its crispiness.

Avoid storing this dish at room temperature for extended periods, as the cooked ham and pastry can lose freshness quickly.

Ingredients

Puff pastry

Ham

220g

Egg yolks

How to Make a Perfect Puff Pastry Tree

Unroll the first sheet of puff pastry on a clean working surface.
Lay slices of cooked ham on the puff pastry, arranging them in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with a wide base and taper toward the top.
Unroll the second puff pastry sheet and place it on top of the ham layer. Press down gently to seal the edges.
Using a sharp knife, carve the puff pastry into the shape of a Christmas tree. Begin at the top and work downwards, cutting a triangular tree shape. Remove the excess pastry around the edges.
On each side of the tree, cut horizontal strips (about 1-2 cm wide) to form "branches." Leave the center of the tree intact to serve as the trunk.
Carefully twist each strip to create a spiraled effect, forming the branches of the Christmas tree.
Beat the egg yolks and brush them evenly over the surface of the pastry to give it a golden, shiny finish when baked.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Transfer the Christmas tree to a baking tray lined with parchment paper.Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and flaky.
Once baked, remove the tree from the oven and let it cool slightly. Transfer it to a serving board and place it as the centerpiece of your table. Serve warm or at room temperature for everyone to pull apart and enjoy!