This festive ham and cheese pastry creation started as a playful idea on a December afternoon when I wanted a party snack that looked like the season and tasted like a warm kitchen hug. I discovered the technique while experimenting with leftover deli slices and a sheet of thawed puff pastry; the folding trick to create tree shapes felt instantly magical. The first batch disappeared so quickly at a small family gathering that my mother demanded the recipe, and my kids declared them the official tree snack of our holidays. Each bite combines the butteriness of puff pastry, the salty-savory snap of thinly sliced ham, and the melty stretch of cheese, producing a snack that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside.

What makes these trees special is the simplicity and speed. They come together in roughly 30 to 40 minutes, use ingredients most home cooks already have on hand, and you can customize them with glazes, seeds, or little jam layers for a sweet-savory contrast. Because the assembly is hands-on and visual, they’re an excellent activity for children to help with—supervised, of course—and they double as a centerpiece when arranged on a platter. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a festive after-school nibble, these are sure to create a few new holiday memories at your table.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed): Use high-quality frozen sheets from the grocery freezer section; brands like Pepperidge Farm or Jus-Rol puff up reliably and have that buttery, flaky finish. Keep them chilled until just before assembling so they handle easily.
• 12 slices deli ham (thinly sliced): Choose a smoky or honey-glazed ham for more flavor. Thinly sliced works best because it folds neatly without weighing the pastry down.
• 12 slices cheese (cheddar, gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella): Choose semi-firm cheeses that melt but still hold shape; pre-sliced cheese from the deli helps speed assembly. If using a softer cheese like fresh mozzarella, pat it dry to avoid sogginess.
• 24 wooden skewers: These form the trunk and structure; short cocktail skewers or long wooden skewers trimmed to size both work. If using long skewers, cut them to approximately 4 inches.
• Optional Garlic Butter Glaze: 4 tablespoons melted butter, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds for holiday flair. The glaze adds shine, flavor, and an inviting aroma.
• Optional sweet layers and toppers: 1 tablespoon honey mustard or 1 tablespoon fig jam to spread thinly under cheese for a sweet-savory contrast; small star-shaped cheese cutouts make charming tree toppers.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to help the bottoms brown evenly. Preheating fully ensures the pastry puffs immediately for flakiness. Assemble the layers: On a lightly floured surface or parchment, unroll one thawed puff pastry sheet. Lay six slices of cheese evenly, then top with six slices of ham. If using mustard or fig jam, spread a thin layer under the cheese first. Place the second pastry sheet on top and press gently to seal—avoid squishing the layers flat; you want the pastry layers distinct so they puff. Trim and cut strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza wheel, trim uneven edges and slice the layered pastry into 1-inch-wide strips. Aim for 12 strips from the stacked sandwich (repeat the same for the remaining sheet and fillings). Keep pieces uniform for even baking. Form the trees: Thread a wooden skewer down the center of each strip, leaving a short trunk at the bottom. Fold each strip back and forth around the skewer—alternate left and right folds to create branches—so the folded shape resembles a tree. Press the bottom gently so the trunk supports the layers. Prepare the glaze: Whisk together 4 tablespoons melted butter, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Brush the glaze over each tree, coating the exposed pastry to encourage browning. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired for texture and a festive look. Bake until golden: Place assembled trees on the prepared sheet, leaving a little space for expansion. Bake for 20–25 minutes, checking at 18 minutes—pastry should be puffed and a deep golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway for even color. Remove and cool for 2–3 minutes before serving so the cheese settles slightly.

Storage Tips

To keep leftovers crisp, store cooled trees in an airtight container with a paper towel lining to absorb excess moisture and separate layers with parchment. Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat at 350°F for 6–8 minutes to bring back flakiness. For longer storage, freeze unbaked assembled trees on a tray until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to one month. When baking from frozen, add 5–8 minutes and watch for deep golden color as the cue to remove from the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer poultry, swap the ham for thin turkey slices—smoked turkey adds great depth. For a vegetarian version, replace ham with a spinach-artichoke spread or roasted vegetables and use a plant-based cheese. Swap butter in the glaze for olive oil if avoiding dairy, and use dairy-free puff pastry available at specialty grocers. If you like a sweeter contrast, spread a thin layer of fig jam or honey mustard under the cheese—use about 1 teaspoon per tree to avoid sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange trees on a large wooden board with sprigs of rosemary for a pine-like presentation. Serve with small bowls of mustard, cranberry chutney, or a tangy vinegar-based slaw for brightness. These pair well with warm mulled cider in winter or a crisp green salad for a holiday brunch. Garnish with tiny cheese stars on top or a scatter of pomegranate arils around the platter for color.

Cultural Background

Layered pastries filled with savory ingredients have roots across European cuisines, where puff pastry became a holiday staple for its celebratory texture. Turning savory sandwiches into handheld, decorated shapes is a contemporary twist influenced by party appetizers and festive baking. The tree motif is a playful seasonal adaptation that blends traditional flavors with modern party aesthetics, making a familiar combination feel special.

Seasonal Adaptations

Winter: add caramelized onions and Gruyère for a cozy alpine flavor. Spring: swap ham for thin asparagus spears and a lemon-herb ricotta. Summer: use prosciutto and fresh basil with a touch of sun-dried tomato. For a holiday breakfast buffet, make smaller trees and serve with soft-boiled eggs and smoked salmon on the side.

Meal Prep Tips

To streamline entertaining, assemble all trees on parchment-lined trays and refrigerate uncovered for up to 4 hours to help the pastry relax and seal. Prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge; warm gently before brushing. Use pre-sliced cheese and deli ham to cut assembly time dramatically. Label a tray for gluten-free or vegetarian guests if you’re preparing multiple versions.

These little trees are more than a snack—they’re a conversation starter. Whether you keep them traditional or experiment with sweet and savory layers, they’re an effortless way to make the holidays feel homemade and a touch whimsical. Try one variation tonight and you’ll be planning the next batch before the oven cools.