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Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees

Ham and cheese puff pastry Christmas trees are filled with Dijon mustard, deli ham, and Swiss cheese, then folded into festive zigzag shapes. Bake them until puffed and deep golden brown for a flaky, savory appetizer.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Chilling and cooling 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 2 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry 2 sheets, thawed but cold
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 6 oz deli ham thinly sliced
  • 6 oz Swiss cheese sliced
  • 1 egg large
  • 1 tbsp water

Equipment

  • 2 18x13-inch rimmed baking sheets

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F and line two 18x13-inch rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Place one pastry sheet on a work surface and spread the Dijon mustard over it, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
  3. Arrange the ham and Swiss cheese in an even layer. Whisk the egg with the water, brush a little along the exposed border, then top with the second pastry sheet and press the edges to seal; refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  4. Cut the pastry stack across its 10-inch side into 8 equal strips, each about 1 1/4 inches wide.
  5. Starting at the top end of each strip, fold it side to side in a zigzag, making each branch wider toward the base; tuck the end under the base and gently press the center to hold the tree shape. Arrange 4 trees on each baking sheet, spaced apart.
  6. Brush the tops and exposed pastry with the remaining egg wash.
  7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, switching the pans’ positions and rotating them halfway through, until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown.
  8. Let the trees cool on the pans for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Keep the pastry cold while shaping so the trees hold their shape. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; baked trees can be frozen. For a pork-free option, use thinly sliced deli turkey in place of the ham.