Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun and festive appetizer that will wow your guests this holiday season, then you absolutely have to try this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of flaky puff pastry wrapped around savory ham and melted cheese, shaped into an eye-catching Christmas tree that’s almost too pretty to eat. I promise, once you try it, you’ll see just how perfect it is for holiday parties, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in when you want something special without the fuss.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I love about this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe is how its ingredients are simple yet create layers of flavor when combined. Shopping is straightforward, but I do have a couple of tips to help you pick the best items for maximum yum.

• Puff pastry sheets: Frozen puff pastry works perfectly—just thaw it in the fridge before you start so it’s easy to handle but still cold enough to stay flaky.
• Boursin cheese (or herbed cream cheese): Adds that creamy, flavorful base; I like how the herbs give it a festive twist, but you can also use plain cream cheese if you prefer.
• Prosciutto (or salami or capocollo): Thinly sliced for easy layering and a nice salty bite that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: The melty, sharp cheddar complements the creamy cheese and salty ham, and makes the filling more indulgent.
• Mixed seeds: A crunchy topping you can customize—sesame, poppy, or sunflower seeds all work well and add a lovely texture contrast.
• Egg wash: Made from an egg plus a tablespoon of milk or water, this gives the pastry its gorgeous golden color and shiny finish.

Variations

One of the best parts of this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe is that it lets you get creative without stripping away what makes it so delicious. I often play around with the fillings based on what we have or dietary preferences, and it’s always a hit.

• Vegetarian version: Swap the ham for roasted veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms; I tried this once and was amazed at how well the cream cheese and cheddar carried the flavor.
• Different cheeses: Feel free to use gruyère or mozzarella instead of cheddar—the melting texture is key, and it adds subtle flavor shifts.
• Seed topping options: You can skip seeds or use everything bagel seasoning for a fun twist that adds a little zing to the crust.
• Mini trees: If you want to make appetizers for a crowd, cut the puff pastry into smaller triangles to make individual-sized Christmas trees.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Puff Pastry Base

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Open one sheet of your thawed puff pastry onto the prepared tray. Spread the Boursin or herbed cream cheese evenly over the entire surface—this creamy layer is the secret to that rich flavor contrast inside the pastry.

Step 2: Layer the Ham and Cheese

Next, lay your prosciutto slices over the cheese layer. Don’t be shy; a generous layer adds that salty, savory kick that makes this recipe unforgettable. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the prosciutto. The mix of melted cheddar with creamy cheese and ham? Yes, please!

Step 3: Seal and Cut Your Tree

Now you take the second puff pastry sheet and carefully place it on top, gently pressing down to seal the ingredients inside. Using a sharp knife, cut a large triangle shape representing your tree. Use leftover dough pieces to craft a “trunk” at the bottom — I often get playful here with cookie cutters to add stars or hearts for decoration.

Step 4: Shape the Tree Branches

Starting from the bottom edge of the triangle, make slits about every 3 centimeters on each side of the “tree.” Remember to leave the center uncut so your tree keeps its shape. Then, gently twist each strip to reveal layers of filling and add a spiral effect. Be gentle to avoid fillings oozing out.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches and Bake

Brush the entire pastry tree with the egg wash—you’ll see how beautifully it browns and shines in the oven. Sprinkle your mixed seeds on top for crunch and extra flavor. Bake for about 25 minutes, until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and is puffed and crispy. Trust me, the smell alone will make everyone impatient to dig in!

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling extra fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley around the tree once it comes out of the oven to brighten it up and add a pop of green. Sometimes I even add a few cherry tomatoes on the side for color and a sweet, juicy balance to the savory pastry.

Side Dishes

My go-to side is always a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese. You can also pair this with a simple bowl of tomato soup or roasted vegetable medley for a more substantial meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve served this puff pastry tree on a large wooden board with small ramekins of mustard and cranberry chutney for dipping—it looks so festive and guests love that variety. Another fun idea is to place small edible ornaments, like olives or cherry tomatoes, on the branches before baking for a playful touch that doubles as garnish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though it’s rare in my house!), wrap the tree tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When I do this, I find the pastry holds up well, but it’s best enjoyed fresh and crispy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen fully assembled, unbaked trees—simply wrap well in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to a month. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. This is my favorite trick for making a stress-free party appetizer!

Reheating

To reheat, pop the leftovers in a 175°C (350°F) oven for about 10 minutes to restore that flakiness. I avoid microwaving because it makes the puff pastry soggy, and nobody wants that texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special without being complicated, and it never fails to impress my family and friends every single holiday. The flaky layers, savory fillings, and festive look make it a joyful centerpiece for any gathering. I genuinely hope you give it a try—and when you do, you’ll love sharing the moment of breaking apart that golden tree as much as the taste itself. Happy baking and happier holidays!

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