With the festive season in full swing, a time-pressed mum's ingenious three-ingredient starter has captured the nation's imagination, promising a delicious and visually stunning addition to the Christmas Day table that children will devour.
The Viral Festive Sensation
Cheree, a social media creator known online as Oh So Busy Mum, has revived her wildly popular recipe for Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees. Shared in a TikTok video that has amassed over 1.5 million views, this simple concept uses just a handful of shop-bought items to create a festive masterpiece. Cheree explained her decision to share it again, stating she first posted the idea last year and it proved so popular a reprise was essential.
Simple Ingredients, Endless Variations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its accessibility. The core components are ready-to-roll puff pastry, sliced ham, and sliced cheese. For an optional gourmet touch, Cheree finishes her trees with a drizzle of melted garlic butter infused with parsley.
The online community has enthusiastically embraced the recipe, suggesting numerous tasty twists. One commenter, Reigh, proposed using fig jam and goat's cheese, while another, Febe, recommended Boursin cheese and smoked salmon as an alternative filling. This flexibility makes it an ideal canvas for different tastes.
How to Create Your Festive Bites
Follow this straightforward method to create your own edible Christmas trees in less than half an hour.
You will need:
- 1 roll of pre-made puff pastry
- Sliced ham
- Sliced cheese (plus extra for stars)
- Optional: butter, minced garlic, parsley for glazing
Method:
- Lay out a sheet of semi-defrosted pastry. Cover with a layer of ham, then a layer of cheese.
- Top with a second pastry sheet and press down. Using a pizza cutter, slice into eight even strips.
- Starting at the bottom (the trunk), fold each strip, making thicker folds that become thinner towards the top to form a tree shape. Carefully push a skewer through the centre, leaving a small section at the top.
- Bake on a lined tray at 200°C for 25 minutes or until golden. If using, brush with melted garlic butter while warm.
- Cut small stars from spare cheese with a cutter and place one on the exposed tip of each skewer before serving.
The recipe's overwhelming appeal is summed up by fan Miss Mare, who declared: "These look delish and easy to make. This recipe is a keeper." For families seeking a fuss-free, fun, and festive starter, these puff pastry trees are undoubtedly a top pick for the Christmas menu.
