Savoury Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Ham and Cheese Recipe
There’s something incredibly festive and fun about making a Savoury Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Ham and Cheese Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that instantly turns snack time into a celebration. Whenever I whip this up, it becomes the centerpiece of our holiday gatherings, partially because it looks so cool and partially because it’s just downright delicious — cheesy, flaky, and packed with savory ham flavor.
This recipe is perfect for those moments when you want an impressive appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize depending on what you happen to have in your fridge. If you’re looking for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing Christmas treat that combines festive flair with scrumptious ham and cheese, this is the one you want to try. Trust me, once you get the technique down, you’ll want to make it all year round!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully together to create a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures. Make sure to pick good-quality ham and fresh puff pastry for the best results, as these really make the flavors shine.
- Puff pastry: Using ready-rolled sheets saves time and gives you those light, flaky layers every time.
- Boursin cheese or herbed cream cheese: This adds creaminess and a subtle herby tang that pairs so well with ham.
- Prosciutto, salami, or capocollo: Choose your favorite cured meat—each brings a slightly different depth, but all are delicious.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts nicely and adds a lovely bite to the tree.
- Mixed seeds: A sprinkle of seeds on top gives a pleasant crunch and makes the tree look extra festive.
- Egg wash (egg plus 1 tablespoon milk): This helps give the pastry a golden, glossy finish.
Variations
I love playing around with this recipe to keep it interesting, and you can totally tailor it to your taste or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to swap out the ham or cheese to experiment with flavors that suit you best!
- Vegetarian version: I sometimes replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a veggie-packed twist – just as satisfying!
- Spicy kick: Adding some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the cheese mixture gave it a lovely heat that my family really enjoyed.
- Different cheeses: Mixing mozzarella and parmesan instead of cheddar can create a milder, cheesier flavor that melts beautifully.
How to Make Savoury Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Ham and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer the Pastry
Start by thawing your puff pastry sheets according to the package instructions, usually about 20 minutes at room temperature. Once soft, place one sheet on a parchment-lined baking tray. Spread the Boursin or herbed cream cheese evenly over the pastry but leave a small border around the edges so the filling doesn’t ooze out during baking. Layer the prosciutto evenly on top of the cheese, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar. Place the second pastry sheet carefully over the top and press the edges together to seal.
Step 2: Shape and Twist the Christmas Tree
To create that iconic Christmas tree shape, cut the sandwich lightly in half to form two rectangles. Then, make parallel cuts on each side—not too close to the edge—to create “branches.” The strips should be about 1 cm wide. Now, twist each strip outward a couple of times in opposite directions, starting from the base up, and gently pull to fan them out, mimicking tree branches. This step is really fun and adds to the festive vibe! Don’t worry if your twists aren’t perfect—the charm is in the rustic look.
Step 3: Add Seeds and Egg Wash
Brush the whole pastry generously with the egg wash to get that golden shine. Then sprinkle mixed seeds over the top—their crunch and nuttiness add a delicious texture contrast. You could use sesame, pumpkin, or sunflower seeds. If you don’t have mixed seeds, just one type works too.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your puff pastry Christmas tree at 200°C (around 400°F) for 20-25 minutes or until it’s puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on it in the last 5 minutes to avoid burning. When done, take it out and let it cool slightly before serving to avoid any molten cheese surprises!
How to Serve Savoury Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Ham and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
I like to serve my Christmas tree with a simple garnish of fresh rosemary sprigs and a scattering of pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and a slight tartness that cuts through the richness. It adds a festive look and complements the savory flavors really well.
Side Dishes
This savoury delight pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of warming tomato soup if you want something heartier. During the holidays, I find a glass of sparkling wine or a lightly chilled white wine elevates the whole experience.
Creative Ways to Present
One of my favorite presentation tricks is to place the puff pastry Christmas tree on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of mustard, chutney, or honey. Guests love dipping those crispy branches! You can also sprinkle a little edible gold dust for that extra holiday sparkle, which always makes the kids’ eyes light up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Savoury Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Ham and Cheese Recipe keeps quite well wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 2 days. I usually cover it with foil or place it in an airtight container to maintain crispness. Reheating brings back most of the original texture if done right.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, you can assemble the tree but not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to a month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh. This tip saved me more than once during busy holiday seasons!
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend placing the pastry in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes. This crisps the pastry back up and warms the filling without making it soggy. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make puff pastry limp.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of cheese in this Savoury Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Ham and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Boursin are my go-tos, you can swap in mozzarella, gouda, or even blue cheese for a bolder flavor. Just be mindful of the cheese’s moisture content to avoid soggy pastry.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it the day before and keep it wrapped in the fridge, then bake fresh on the day you want to serve. You can also freeze it assembled but unbaked for longer storage.
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What if I don’t have mixed seeds?
No worries—you can use any single type of seed, like sesame or poppy seeds, or simply skip this topping. The egg wash alone gives the pastry a nice golden finish.
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Is this recipe difficult for beginners?
Not at all! The Savoury Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Ham and Cheese Recipe is surprisingly simple once you get the hang of twisting the branches. Take your time and have fun with it—I promise it’s easier than it looks.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you can find gluten-free puff pastry in your area. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap for a gluten-free version.
Final Thoughts
This Savoury Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Ham and Cheese Recipe has become a holiday favorite in my home, not just because it tastes amazing but because it brings everyone together around the table. It’s the perfect blend of festive spirit and comfort food that’s easy to share with loved ones. I’m excited for you to try it and see how it adds a bit of magic to your celebrations just like it does in mine. Once you get that golden, cheesy tree out of the oven, you’ll understand why it’s such a joyful recipe to make and eat!
PrintSavoury Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Ham and Cheese Recipe
This Savoury Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a festive and easy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of flaky puff pastry are spread with creamy Boursin cheese, topped with savory prosciutto and shredded cheddar cheese, then twisted into a tree shape and sprinkled with mixed seeds for a crunchy finish. The golden puff pastry pairs beautifully with the herby cream cheese and smoky cured meats, creating a delicious party snack that’s both eye-catching and tasty.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Sheet
- 2 sheets puff pastry (500g total)
Cheese Filling
- 100 g Boursin cheese or herbed cream cheese
- 50 g shredded cheddar cheese
Meats
- 150 g prosciutto or salami or capocollo
Toppings
- Mixed seeds (such as sesame, poppy, sunflower) for sprinkling
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk)
Instructions
- Prepare the puff pastry: Thaw the puff pastry sheets if frozen, then lay them out on a lightly floured surface. Lay one sheet flat to create the base of your Christmas tree.
- Spread the cheese: Generously spread the Boursin or herbed cream cheese evenly over the first puff pastry sheet, ensuring full coverage to help the layers stick together and add flavor.
- Add the cured meats: Layer the prosciutto, salami, or capocollo evenly on top of the cheese-covered pastry, making sure to cover the surface but not overly piled to keep the pastry balanced.
- Second puff pastry layer: Place the second puff pastry sheet on top of the layered first sheet and gently press down to seal the layers together.
- Cut and shape the tree: Using a sharp knife, trim the edges to form a neat rectangular shape if needed, then cut the pastry into a triangle shape to resemble a Christmas tree. Cut strips on both sides of the triangle, leaving the center intact as a trunk.
- Twist the branches: Carefully twist each strip outward to create the branches of the tree, exposing the filling inside and forming a decorative pattern.
- Apply egg wash and cheese: Brush the entire tree with the prepared egg wash to promote a golden finish during baking. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and mixed seeds over the surface for added flavor and crunch.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Place the shaped pastry on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, then bake for 20-25 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving as a festive appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- Make sure puff pastry is fully thawed before working to avoid tearing.
- You can customize the filling with other cured meats or cheeses to suit taste preferences.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
- Mixed seeds add a nice crunch but can be omitted for seed allergies.
- Egg wash helps the pastry achieve a shiny, golden crust.
Keywords: puff pastry, Christmas tree appetizer, savory pastry, ham and cheese, holiday snack, party food
