Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping appetizer that’s festive, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make, I’ve got you covered. This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe is one of my all-time favorites during the holidays — it’s cheesy, savory, and looks absolutely adorable on the table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why my family goes crazy for this—plus, it’s perfect for sharing with friends over a glass of wine or at any holiday party!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these ingredients come together — the buttery puff pastry, creamy cheese, and salty ham all play so well off each other. Here’s what I grab when I make this, along with some handy tips you’ll appreciate when shopping.

• Puff Pastry Sheets: Use quality frozen puff pastry (thawed) for that perfect flaky crust; I recommend all-butter varieties if you can find them.
• Boursin Cheese or Herbed Cream Cheese: This adds lovely garlic and herb flavor—if you want a milder taste, plain cream cheese works too.
• Prosciutto, Salami, or Capocollo: Choose your favorite cured meat; prosciutto is my go-to for a nice balance of saltiness and tenderness.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds depth—but feel free to experiment with mozzarella or gruyere.
• Mixed Seeds: Pumpkin, sesame, or poppy seeds add a crunchy, nutty finish and make it look extra festive.
• Egg Wash (egg + milk): This helps the puff pastry get that gorgeous golden glow when baked.

Variations

I love making this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe my own by tweaking the fillings or toppings depending on what’s in my fridge or what my guests prefer. Make it your signature holiday treat!

• Meat-Free Version: I’ve swapped out the ham for roasted veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for a vegetarian twist — it’s equally tasty!
• Cheese Variations: Sometimes I mix gouda and mozzarella for a super melty, creamy texture that’s out of this world.
• Seed-Free Option: If you don’t have mixed seeds, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or just a brush of extra egg wash works beautifully.
• Mini Trees: I often make smaller individual trees for parties — they’re perfect for grazing and look so adorable on a platter.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Layer the Puff Pastry

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lay out one sheet of puff pastry on a clean surface, then spread your Boursin or herbed cream cheese evenly over it—don’t be shy, cover right to the edges! Next, layer your prosciutto slices all over the cheese, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar. This layering builds so much flavor, and you’ll find it keeps everything beautifully moist inside.

Step 2: Form the Tree Shape

Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top, gently pressing it down so the layers stick together but avoid squashing the fillings. Grab a sharp knife and cut out a large triangle shape—this will be your Christmas tree. Don’t toss the leftover dough! Use it to make a trunk at the bottom or fun cookie-cutter shapes to decorate your tray. These little extras always impress guests.

Step 3: Cut and Twist the Branches

Now the fun part: starting from the bottom of the triangle, make cuts about every 3 cm on each side, slicing the “branches” but leaving the middle uncut to hold the tree together. Carefully twist each strip a couple of times—you’ll want to be gentle to keep the fillings inside and maintain the shape. This twisting is what brings the tree’s branches to life and creates all those crispy flaky layers.

Step 4: Egg Wash, Seeds & Bake

Brush the entire tree with your egg wash—that’s the egg whisked with a tablespoon of milk. This is the secret to that gorgeous golden brown color. Then sprinkle your mixed seeds on top for some festive flair and crunch. Pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes, checking around the 20-minute mark to avoid burning—it should be puffed up and golden. The smell while it bakes? Absolutely dreamy.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple because the tree itself looks so festive. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a nice pop of green. If you want to up the holiday spirit, a dusting of paprika around the plate looks like “Christmas decorations” on a snowy surface—cute and tasty!

Side Dishes

I love pairing this with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance that richness. A bowl of tomato soup or a warm butternut squash bisque on the side also complements those melty cheesy flavors perfectly during chilly winter nights.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bigger party, I arrange a couple of these trees on a large wooden board with little bowls of mustard and chutney for dipping. Once, I even decorated the branches with tiny edible gold stars made from colored dough – it was a hit! You can also make mini trees on skewers as finger food for a playful touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you might!), I like to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for 2-3 days. To keep that puff pastry from getting soggy, I let it cool completely at room temperature before covering.

Freezing

Here’s what I do: before baking, I assemble the tree, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze it on a baking sheet. Once frozen, I pop it in a freezer bag and bake it straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. It’s a great way to prep early during busy holiday weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the leftovers in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the pastry crisps back up. Microwave makes the pastry soggy, so I always avoid that if I want to keep the texture perfect.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe has become a staple in my holiday entertaining because it delivers every time. It looks impressive, but it’s truly effortless, and the flavors bring everyone to the table. Whether it’s for a cozy family night or a festive gathering, I can’t recommend it enough. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll love how easy and delicious it is to create your own edible Christmas tree magic!

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