Nina Johnson
When the holiday lights start twinkling and the house fills with festive cheer, there’s one thing that sets the party mood instantly: the food. These flaky, golden puff pastry bites stuffed with ham and melty cheese are the showstopping finger foods that bring everyone back for seconds. Perfectly portioned and utterly delicious, they strike that magical balance between elegant and cozy.
These Christmas finger foods are more than just appetizers—they’re conversation starters, crowd-pleasers, and easy-to-make treats that will upgrade your holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting a full dinner or just a cocktail party, these bite-sized delights are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?
For the flakiest results, go with a high-quality, all-butter puff pastry. You can find it in the freezer section at most grocery stores, and it usually comes folded in sheets. Thaw it in the fridge overnight to keep it cool and easy to handle. Avoid puff pastry that’s made with oils or shortening if you want that perfect golden, buttery finish.
Ingredients for the Christmas Finger Foods That Wow Every Guest
Puff Pastry Sheets – The star of the show. These create that flaky, golden crust that makes each bite feel gourmet.
Deli Ham Slices – A savory base that balances the richness of the cheese and adds a meaty bite.
Cheddar or Gruyère Cheese – Melts into a gooey, flavorful layer. Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor, while Gruyère offers a nutty finish.
Egg Wash (Egg + Splash of Water) – Brushed on top for that glossy, bakery-style golden finish.
Sesame Seeds & Everything Bagel Seasoning (optional) – Adds a delicious crunch and seasoning contrast.
Chopped Chives – For garnish. They bring freshness and a pop of color.
How To Make the Christmas Finger Foods That Wow Every Guest
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten any creases and slightly stretch the sheet. Cut each sheet into even squares—you’ll want about 3×3 inch pieces.
Step 2: Layer with Flavor
Place a slice of ham folded to fit the square, then top with a slice or small pile of shredded cheese. You want enough filling to taste, but not so much that it overflows during baking.
Step 3: Seal and Shape
Place another square of puff pastry on top and gently press the edges with a fork to seal. Make sure the filling is fully enclosed. You can also fold the pastry over for a triangle shape, like a turnover.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Toppings
Transfer the assembled pastries to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes so they don’t overbrown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let the pastries cool slightly, then top with chopped fresh chives. Serve warm and watch them disappear from the plate.
How to Serve and Store These Christmas Finger Foods
Serve these puff pastry bites straight from the oven while they’re warm and gooey. Arrange them on a festive platter or charcuterie board with a few holiday greens like rosemary sprigs for that extra holiday flair.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it makes the pastry soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pastries and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the egg wash right before they go into the oven.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar gives you a classic, bold flavor, while Gruyère melts beautifully and adds a rich, nutty note. Mozzarella can work in a pinch but is milder.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked assembled pastries on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Honey mustard, Dijon aioli, or even cranberry sauce can be great festive pairings.
Can I use other meats or fillings?
Totally! Try cooked bacon, turkey slices, or even a veggie version with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
Want More Appetizer Ideas That Wow?
If these ham and cheese puff bites disappeared fast, here are some more crowd-friendly favorites you should try:
- Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread for a melty, sweet-savory experience.
- Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly if you love a punchy flavor pop.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for something heartier yet still shareable.
- Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Onion to add that crunchy, bold centerpiece.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for a warm, filling option for guests who love pasta.
Looking for more holiday-ready recipes? Check out my latest bites and sweets on Pinterest: Life with Nina.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can whip them up again without missing a beat.
Tried them with prosciutto instead of ham? Added a sprinkle of herbs inside? I want to hear all about it in the comments!
Your feedback and kitchen creativity help others bring joy to their tables too. Let’s make this season delicious together.
Christmas Finger Foods That Wow Every Guest
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 pastry bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Holiday / Christmas
Description
These Christmas finger foods are buttery, flaky puff pastry bites filled with savory ham and melted cheese. They’re the perfect crowd-pleaser for your holiday party—easy to make, elegant on the plate, and gone in seconds. Crisp on the outside, gooey in the center, and finished with a glossy golden top, these bites will become your new seasonal go-to.
Ingredients
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
8 slices deli ham
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped chives (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets and gently flatten any creases. Cut into 3×3 inch squares.
3. Place a folded piece of ham in the center of half the squares. Top with shredded cheese.
4. Cover each with another pastry square and press edges with a fork to seal. You can also fold one square in half to make triangles.
5. Brush each pastry with the egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds or seasoning if using.
6. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven, cool slightly, and top with chopped chives. Serve warm.
Notes
Keep puff pastry cold while working to ensure flakiness—if it gets too warm, chill before baking.
Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and for easy cleanup.
For a vegetarian version, replace ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach and cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff pastry bite
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0.6 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: Puff pastry appetizers, Christmas finger foods, ham and cheese bites
