Savoury 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
Scale
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