Description
Holiday magic shines through this cheesy ham puff pastry christmas tree, creating a festive centerpiece for seasonal gatherings. Flaky pastry, savory ham, and melted cheese combine in a show-stopping appetizer that delights guests and sparks celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 sheets puff pastry (320 grams each / 11.3 ounces each)
- 12 slices wafer thin ham
- 150 grams (5.3 ounces) cheddar cheese, finely grated
- 60 grams (2.1 ounces) gruyere cheese, grated
- 1 egg, beaten
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- Grated parmesan for serving
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 240 milliliters (8.12 fluid ounces) milk
Instructions
- Unroll the chilled pastry sheet onto a clean surface, ensuring it remains cool and pliable.
- Generously spread a thin layer of tangy mustard across the pastry, covering the entire surface evenly.
- Layer delicate slices of ham across the mustard, creating a uniform coverage that reaches the pastry edges.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the ham, ensuring complete and consistent distribution.
- Carefully place the second pastry sheet on top, gently pressing to seal the layers together.
- Using a sharp knife, meticulously cut the layered pastry into a distinctive tree silhouette, maintaining clean, precise edges.
- Create 1-inch wide branches along the tree’s outline, carefully cutting from the bottom upward with deliberate, steady movements.
- Craft decorative elements from the remaining pastry scraps, such as small stars or ornament shapes.
- Starting from the bottom, gently twist each branch 1-2 times, reducing the twist intensity as you approach the tree’s pinnacle.
- Delicately brush the entire pastry surface with egg wash, ensuring a glossy, golden finish.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and position the prepared tree on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color and crisp, flaky texture.
- While baking, prepare the accompanying cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan.
- Whisk flour into the melted butter, creating a smooth roux.
- Gradually incorporate milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky consistency.
- Fold in cheese and selected seasonings, stirring until the sauce becomes thick and glossy.
- Once baked, adorn the pastry tree with the previously crafted decorative elements.
- Finish by dusting with finely grated parmesan for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately alongside the warm, creamy cheese sauce.
Notes
- Keep pastry chilled until just before use to ensure maximum flakiness and prevent butter from melting.
- Use cold ham and cheese to maintain pastry’s crisp texture and prevent soggy layers.
- Experiment with different mustards like Dijon or whole grain for unique flavor variations.
- Ensure branches are evenly twisted to create a visually appealing and consistent Christmas tree design.
- Brush egg wash carefully to achieve a golden, glossy finish without making pastry too wet.
- For gluten-free option, substitute puff pastry with gluten-free alternative or almond flour-based pastry.
- Make sauce ahead of time and gently reheat to save preparation time during serving.
- Consider vegetarian version by replacing ham with roasted vegetables or spinach.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg