1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a flat surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into squares, each about 4 inches by 4 inches (you may need to trim the edges a bit to make them even).
Assemble the Christmas Trees:
Place a slice of ham in the center of each square of puff pastry.
Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top of the ham.
Add a little bit of cheddar cheese for extra flavor, if desired.
Carefully fold each square into a triangle by folding the top corner down toward the center and then folding the other two corners toward the center, forming a triangle shape.
Create the Tree Shape:
Once you have folded the puff pastry into a triangle, gently press the sides to seal the edges. You may want to fold the edges slightly to get a better “tree” shape.
Repeat this for all of the pastry squares, creating multiple Christmas tree-shaped pastries.
Prepare for Baking:
Place each “tree” on the prepared baking sheet.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over each tree to give them a golden color when baked.
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of each tree for extra crunch (optional).
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor.
Bake the Christmas Trees:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed up, and the cheese inside has melted completely.
Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. You want them to be crisp and golden, not burned.
Garnish and Serve:
After baking, allow the Christmas trees to cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley to add some color and festive flair.
Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Tips:
Make-ahead: You can prepare the pastry triangles ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Variations: Feel free to add other fillings like spinach, mushrooms, or even a bit of mustard or cranberry sauce for extra flavor.
Dipping sauce: Serve with a side of marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
