Simple Savory Christmas Trees, store bought puff pastry makes these cheesy salami Christmas Trees the perfect Holiday Appetizers.
Simple Savory Christmas Trees are so easy to make and even better to eat. They were a big hit with family and friends.
I am a big lover of Puff Pastry, I think it must be an Italian thing. Puff Pastry is easily available in all grocery stores not just in the frozen section but also the fridge section, so no need to defrost, works for me.
I have made my own Pastry and it turned out really well, very easy and delicious. But when you need something quick, store bought works great.
It was another one of those things that I discovered in Italy, my Mom made her own pie pastry but never puff pastry.
A couple of weeks ago I made the Sweet Version of these Christmas Trees so on a whim I decided to serve a savory copy cat Appetizer for lunch.
Simple Savory Christmas Trees
While I was in the grocery store I was drawn to a package of Puff Pastry (what’s new) and I thought Christmas Trees!
If for some reason you don’t life puff pastry you can always use regular dough.
I didn’t want a melty cheese, I needed something for easy roll ups and a cheese that wouldn’t melt all over the place.
More Delicious Recipes made with Puff Pastry!
10 Minute Homemade Puff Pastry
Easy Nutella Puff Pastry Balls
Cinnamon Apple Puff Pastry Squares
Mushroom Puff Pastry Appetizers
Some cream cheese mouse caught my eye and what’s perfect with that? Yup some sliced salami.
I picked up some of those round wrapped swiss cheese bites and I knew some green olives would be the perfect “star” for my trees! Enjoy.
Simple Savory Christmas Trees
Ingredients
- 1 roll puff pastry
- 1/4 cup cream cheese mousse**
- 12 thin slices salami (or cold cut of choice)
- 10 green olives
- 10 cubes of hard cheese
**if you can’t find cream cheese mousse then use softened cream cheese (make sure it’s spreadable).
Instructions
- Roll out Puff Pastry (or defrost completely if frozen) lightly roll to smooth out. Spread with cream cheese mousse and top with salami slices, then slice into 9 or 10 strips lengthwise.
- Fold the strips of dough accordion style, start with a small amount and widen as you go (until you reach the end).
- Place a long skewer in the center starting at the base then through to the top of the tree. Place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
- Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. While strips are in the fridge pre-heat oven to 350°.
- Remove from fridge and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until golden. If desired top each tree with a green olive and stick into a hard square of cheese or serve as is. Enjoy!
Maria says
Hi Rosemary, I just discovered your website and everything looks absolutely delicious. I’m getting quite a few ideas for coming up holidays. I know I’m late for Anouk’s questions, but I wanted to comment anyway to help someone else perhaps. She wondered if this puff pastry Christmas tree could be served cold. I believe that it will, after all. puff pastry desserts are not served warm. The filling in the tree is like that of a sandwich or panini, so it should be good at room temperature. As for a vegetarian version, make it with pesto and roasted bell peppers, and parmesan cheese or fresh mozzarella cheese. Not only are those the Italian colors, but Christmas as well. Buon appetito!
Rosemary says
Thanks so much for responding Maria, and never too late. Take care.
Anouk Gaudard-Beyssac says
Do you think I could make it and eat it cold few hours later?
Anouk Gaudard-Beyssac says
And how would you make a veggie version? please 🙂
Rosemary says
Hi Anouk, you could use 2 different types of cheese and leave out the meat, adding vegetables might be a bit difficult because they will have to be extremely thin and well cooked, maybe thin grilled eggplant or zucchini would work. Hope that helps.
Rosemary says
Hi Anouk, these are always better warm, I really don’t know how good they would be cold.
Anouk says
ok, I thought it could be like cold pizza haha! But well maybe the puff pastry dont handle it well… 🙁
Rosemary says
Hi Anouk, yes cold puff pastry isn’t the most delicious. 🙂
Anouk says
Thank you :)!
Rosemary says
You’re welcome.
Robin says
Can theses be made up the evening before then taken out and baked the day of?
Rosemary says
Hi Robin, yes just be sure to cover the cookie sheet with plastic and refrigerate, then bake. Happy New Year.
Nancy says
Never worked with puff pastry before.
Do you use one sheet at a time do you use all the layers of sheet together when you cut down don’t know what to do because the instructions don’t tell you
Rosemary says
Hi Nancy, I have only seen puff pastry with one sheet (phyllo pastry has more sheets), so one sheet is used. Add the filling, cut into strips (as per photos) and fold each strip accordion style. Stick in the stick in the middle and bake. Hope that helps.
Bet says
Those look cool! How long will they keep?
Rosemary says
Hi Bet, I really don’t think these would keep for long, they should really be made and eaten asap. Have a wonderful Christmas.
2pots2cook says
Oh dear ! So simple, easy to make and so to fall in love with ! Perfect solution for festive days to come.pinning and baking ! Thank you so much ! Happy holidays !
Rosemary says
Thanks so much, I hope you enjoy them.