Description
A festive and flavorful Savoury Puff Pastry Christmas Tree filled with creamy Boursin cheese, savory prosciutto, and melted cheddar, topped with mixed seeds for a delightful crunch. Perfect as a holiday appetizer or snack, this visually striking pastry twists into a Christmas tree shape and bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry (500g)
Fillings
- 100 g Boursin cheese or herbed cream cheese
- 150 g prosciutto, salami, or capocollo
- 50 g shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Layers: Lay out one sheet of puff pastry and evenly spread the Boursin or herbed cream cheese over it. Layer the prosciutto (or your meat choice) on top of the cheese, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the meats.
- Add Top Layer: Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the filled sheet, gently pressing down to seal the layers together without squeezing out the filling.
- Shape the Tree: Using a sharp knife, cut the layered pastry into a large triangle shape to form the Christmas tree. Save the extra dough pieces to create a trunk by attaching it to the bottom of the triangle. Optionally, cut additional shapes using cookie cutters for decoration.
- Cut and Twist Branches: Starting from the bottom of the triangle, make slits on both sides about every 3 cm, leaving the center uncut. Gently twist each strip outward to expose the filling, being careful not to over twist to avoid filling oozing out.
- Brush and Add Seeds: Lightly brush the entire pastry with egg wash (egg mixed with milk) to give it a glossy golden finish and sprinkle the mixed seeds on top for texture and flavor.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the prepared pastry tree onto the lined baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown color and is puffed up.
Notes
- Use cold puff pastry for easier handling and better puff.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra cheese and herbs.
- Mixed seeds can include sesame, sunflower, and flax seeds for added texture.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture, alongside a dipping sauce like mustard or cranberry chutney.
- Ensure twists are gentle to keep the filling inside while baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the tree)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
