Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sheets of frozen puff pastry, thawed (about 8 oz each)
- 6 ounces of thinly sliced deli ham (I prefer a smoky Black Forest ham)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (you can substitute with sharp cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, adds a subtle tang)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano and thyme), optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial to ensure your puff pastry bakes evenly and doesn’t stick.
- Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the entire sheet for a gentle tang that balances the richness of the ham and cheese.
- Evenly layer half of the ham slices across the pastry, then sprinkle half the shredded Gruyère over the top. If you like, a light sprinkle of dried Italian herbs adds a wonderful aroma reminiscent of my grandmother’s garden.
- Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top. Press down gently to seal the layers together.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the layered pastry into 8 equal rectangles. These will become your Christmas trees.
- Carefully cut each rectangle into the shape of a tree by trimming a triangle at the top for the tree’s point, then make 6 to 8 slits on each side to form branches—be sure to leave the center intact.
- Starting from the bottom, twist each “branch” away from the center to reveal the ham and cheese filling. Twisting gives the tree its distinctive layered look and helps the cheese melt beautifully between the layers.
- Place each twisted tree onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the entire surface with the beaten egg to get that irresistible golden shine.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them—you want that perfect balance of crispy and gooey.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is still delightfully melty.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
