Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’re going to adore this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe. Trust me, this festive puff pastry creation never fails to wow guests and bring a little magic to holiday gatherings. It’s easy to make, beautifully golden, and just the right combination of flaky, cheesy, and savory. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through every step and share my best tips so you nail it on the first try!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in the most delicious way. Puff pastry provides the crisp, buttery crunch while the Boursin cheese adds creamy herb-infused richness. The prosciutto delivers an important salty, savory punch, and shredded cheddar gives it that gooey cheese pull we all love. Don’t skip the mixed seeds on top—they add a pretty finish and little crunch.

• Puff pastry sheets: Use good quality frozen puff pastry; thaw it properly for easiest handling and best rise.
• Boursin cheese or herbed cream cheese: This gives you wonderful flavor with herbs, but cream cheese alone works if you’re in a pinch.
• Prosciutto (or salami/capocollo): Thinly sliced and salty, it layers nicely so every bite has that meaty goodness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar both work—choose your favorite for melty cheese magic inside.
• Mixed seeds: Pumpkin, sesame, poppy, whatever you like to add some crunch and pretty topping.
• Egg wash (egg + milk): This helps give your tree that golden, shiny finish you want to see coming out of the oven.

Variations

I love that this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe is super versatile. You can easily switch up the fillings to suit your tastes or dietary needs. When I first tried adding a little pesto spread instead of the herbed cheese, it took the whole flavor profile to a new level! Feel free to get creative.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ham for spinach and roasted red pepper, or just load up on mushrooms and caramelized onions. I did this once for a friend who doesn’t eat meat and no one even noticed!
• Different Cheeses: Try Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella for a milder or gooier texture depending on what you prefer.
• Spicy Kick: Add some chili flakes or finely diced jalapeños to the cheese spread for a bit of heat that wakes up the whole dish.
• Seed-Free: If you or guests have seed allergies, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top instead of seeds for a subtly nutty crunch.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Base Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a baking tray with parchment paper—this saves you from any sticking or mess. Carefully roll out one sheet of puff pastry and spread a generous layer of the Boursin or herbed cream cheese all over it. Spread it evenly but don’t go too thick or it will ooze out too much later. Then layer your prosciutto or chosen cured meat on top, covering the surface, followed by a good sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. This combo ensures every bite has that perfect balance of salty, creamy, and cheesy.

Step 2: Seal and Shape

Carefully place the second puff pastry sheet over your filling layers and gently press down along the edges to seal it. This sandwich approach traps the flavorful fillings in, so when it bakes, everything melts together beautifully. Using a sharp knife, cut a large triangle from the sealed pastry—this will become your “tree”. Save any extra dough! You’ll use some to make the trunk or fun shapes with cookie cutters if you want to get festive.

Step 3: Create the Branches

Next comes the fun part. Starting from the edges of your triangle’s bottom and working up, slice slits about every 3 cm, stopping about 1 cm away from the center line—don’t cut all the way through! These strips will be twisted gently to look like branches. I learned the hard way that over-twisting leads to fillings leaking out, so a gentle twist is key here. Every strip should look like a pretty spiral to mimic a Christmas tree.

Step 4: Finish and Bake

Brush the entire tree generously with your egg wash—that buttery shine is what makes it so inviting. Then sprinkle mixed seeds over the top for a festive crunch and beautiful texture. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until the pastry is puffed, golden, and irresistibly crispy. Watching it come out of the oven is such a treat — you’ll want to snap a pic before it disappears!

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish mine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives right after baking—it adds a pop of green and freshness. Sometimes a little dollop of grainy mustard on the side is perfect for adding a tangy bite. You can also drizzle a touch of honey or balsamic glaze for a sweet-savory twist that always surprises my family.

Side Dishes

This puff pastry tree is so rich and hearty that I like to pair it with something light, like a crisp winter salad with citrus segments or a tangy slaw. Roasted root vegetables or a simple bowl of olives also complement it beautifully without competing for attention.

Creative Ways to Present

You know, I’ve brought this to parties on a festive wooden board surrounded by mini bowls of dipping sauces like mustard, aioli, or cranberry chutney, letting guests customize their bites. Another time, I made several smaller trees using cookie cutters and arranged them around a centerpiece, which was a total hit with kids and adults alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might not happen, but just in case!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for up to 2 days, although the puff pastry won’t be quite as crisp the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unbaked trees wrapped tightly in plastic and foil with great success—just bake from frozen but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Freezing pre-baked slices works okay too, though reheating crispiness can be tricky.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to pop leftover slices in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 5-7 minutes to revive that flaky texture without drying it out. Avoid the microwave if you can, since it makes the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe holds a special place on my holiday table because it combines festive charm with comforting flavors — and best of all, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving a big party or looking for a fun and easy way to impress friends, this recipe makes hosting feel a little less stressful and a lot more joyful. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how many smiles it brings!

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