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Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 72 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: European

Description

A festive and delicious Savoury Puff Pastry Christmas Tree filled with herbed cream cheese, savory prosciutto, and cheddar cheese, topped with mixed seeds for a perfect holiday appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry and Filling

  • 2 sheets puff pastry (500g total)
  • 100g Boursin cheese or herbed cream cheese
  • 150g prosciutto, salami, or capocollo
  • 50g shredded cheddar cheese

Topping and Finishing

  • Mixed seeds (for topping)
  • Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the Base Layer: Open one sheet of puff pastry and spread the Boursin or herbed cream cheese evenly over it as the base layer for the filling.
  3. Add Meat and Cheese: Layer the prosciutto (or your choice of cured meat) evenly over the cheese spread. Then generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the meat layer.
  4. Top with Second Pastry Sheet: Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the layered fillings and gently press down to seal the edges and encase the filling.
  5. Shape the Tree: Using a sharp knife, cut a large triangle from the layered pastry as the shape of your Christmas tree. Save the leftover dough pieces to create a trunk or additional festive shapes using cookie cutters.
  6. Cut and Twist Branches: Starting from the base of the triangle, make slits on both sides approximately every 3 cm, leaving the center strip uncut. Carefully twist each strip outward to create the branches, taking care not to over twist to prevent fillings from oozing out.
  7. Apply Egg Wash and Seeds: Brush the entire pastry generously with the egg wash to help it brown beautifully. Sprinkle mixed seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve this festive savory treat warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts in the pastry for the best twisting results.
  • You can substitute the prosciutto with salami or capocollo according to preference.
  • Keep an eye on the pastry while baking as oven times may vary.
  • The egg wash gives the pastry a shiny, golden finish, but can be omitted for a vegan option by using plant-based milk.
  • Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or thyme on top with the seeds for extra flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the tree)
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 1.5 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/ham-and-cheese-puff-pastry-christmas-tree-recipe/