Name: Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 2 sheets puff pastry (500 g); 100 g Boursin cheese or herbed cream cheese; 50 g shredded cheddar cheese; 150 g prosciutto or salami or capocollo; Mixed seeds (quantity as needed for topping); Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk)

Nothing quite says festive fun like pulling a golden, flaky creation from the oven that looks like a Christmas tree—**Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe** brings exactly that magic to your holiday table. It's not only a feast for the eyes but packed with savory goodness that's irresistibly shareable.

The image shows a Christmas tree-shaped pastry on a sheet of parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The pastry has multiple twisted layers arranged like branches, each with a golden-brown, slightly baked texture and visible bits of filling inside. The center trunk is a rectangular portion topped with various seeds including pumpkin and sesame seeds. The entire tree shape is topped with a small star-shaped pastry piece at the tip, also golden brown with some toasted spots. The pastry twists are evenly spaced, showing layers of dough and filling, with a well-baked crust on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I make this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe, it instantly becomes the highlight of any party. It’s like creating a little edible centerpiece that everyone just can’t stop reaching for. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, which is a huge win during the busy festive season.

Visually stunning: The Christmas tree shape adds an extra festive touch to your appetizer spread that’s fun for kids and adults alike.
Delicious layers: The combination of creamy Boursin, salty prosciutto, and sharp cheddar makes every bite burst with flavor.
Quick and easy: From start to finish, it takes under an hour, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your guests.
Customizable: Swap out meats or cheeses to suit your preference or dietary needs without losing any of the festive charm.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe relies on simple, well-chosen ingredients that work together beautifully to create that perfect balance of flavor and texture. The puff pastry promises flaky layers, while the cheeses and cured meat provide rich, savory notes. Here’s what to keep in mind when shopping:

Flat lay of two unrolled sheets of golden puff pastry, a small round white ceramic bowl filled with creamy herbed Boursin cheese, thin delicate slices of rosy pink prosciutto fanned out neatly on the side, a small pile of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding a glossy whole brown egg with clean shell, another small white bowl containing milky white liquid (milk), and a small white bowl with a colorful mix of natural seeds, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Puff pastry: Use good-quality frozen puff pastry—thaw it gently in the fridge so it stays firm and easier to handle.
Boursin cheese: This herbed cream cheese adds a luxurious, creamy texture with a hint of garlic and herbs, which lifts the whole flavor profile.
Prosciutto (or similar cured meat): I love prosciutto for its delicate saltiness and silky texture, but salami or capocollo work wonderfully too.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, adding a tangy finish that complements the cream cheese.
Mixed seeds: They give the tree a nice crunch and a nutty flavor—don’t skip this step!
Egg wash: Helps you get that dreamy golden-brown finish with a beautiful sheen.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe is like a blank canvas for your flavor ideas. I often switch up the fillings or get creative with the toppings to keep it fresh every year. And honestly, when I’ve been short on time, a quick swap of sandwich meats has saved the day with hardly any difference in taste.

Vegetarian variation: Swap out the prosciutto for sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies—cheese and herbs keep it just as delicious.
Extra cheesy: Add mozzarella or gouda along with cheddar for extra gooey layers.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free puff pastry to accommodate dietary restrictions without losing the flaky texture.
Spice it up: Sprinkle some chili flakes or smoked paprika on top with the seeds for a subtle kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Keeping everything ready upfront saves you from last-minute scrambling once you assemble the tree.

Step 2: Layer Your Pastry and Fillings

Arrange one puff pastry sheet on your work surface. Spread the Boursin cheese evenly over it—this creates that creamy, flavorful layer everyone loves. Then layer on all your prosciutto evenly, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar. This combination ensures every bite is rich and satisfying.

Step 3: Top and Trim the Christmas Tree Shape

Place the second puff pastry sheet gently on top of your layered fillings. Press lightly to seal without squishing out the cheese. Using a sharp knife, cut a large triangle shape to form the tree. Don’t throw away the scraps—I like to shape a simple trunk or use small cookie cutters to make festive shapes.

Step 4: Create the Tree Branches

From the bottom up, slice slits on each side of the triangle about every 3 cm, leaving the center intact. Carefully twist each strip a couple of times to show off those flaky layers and fillings inside, but don’t overdo it—you don’t want any cheesy filling spilling out.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Seed Topping

Brush the entire pastry with a mixture of egg and milk—this helps achieve that irresistible golden shine. Then sprinkle on your mixed seeds for a nutty crunch and festive look. It’s these little details that turn a simple appetizer into a showstopper.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the tree in the oven for about 25 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it’s beautifully puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye near the end—it can go from perfect to overdone pretty quickly!

Top Tip

After making this recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that turn it from good to amazing. These tips help prevent common hiccups and ensure your Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe looks and tastes perfect every time.

Keep the puff pastry cold: It’s easier to cut and twist when chilled, plus it puffs up better in the oven.
Don't over-twist: Just a gentle twist keeps the cheese contained and avoids leaking.
Use a sharp knife: A clean cut means the tree shape stays neat and edges don’t get ragged.
Watch your oven temperature: Puff pastry loves steady heat; too hot and the outside burns before inside is cooked.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

Christmas Tree Pastry - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some extra mixed seeds on top after baking to boost crunch. Fresh rosemary sprigs on the tray make it smell piney and festive—nice for presentation and sniffing before the first bite!

Side Dishes

This puff pastry tree pairs wonderfully with a simple fresh salad—something crisp and tangy like arugula with lemon dressing offsets the richness beautifully. I’ve also served it with a bowl of cranberry chutney for a sweet-tart contrast that everyone loved.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I place the tree on a wooden board surrounded by little bowls of mustard and olives. Another idea I adore: add tiny edible ornaments by dotting pomegranate seeds or cherry tomatoes on the twisted branches as “baubles” before baking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay tasty for up to two days. I find reheating in the oven (not microwave) brings back that flaky crispness better than anything else.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen the unbaked assembled tree—wrap it well in cling film and foil, then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. It’s a lifesaver for busy holiday prep!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy again. This method keeps the puff pastry flaky, unlike the microwave, which can make it soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the tree up to one day in advance. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge, then add the egg wash and seeds right before baking.

What if I don’t have Boursin cheese?

No worries—herbed cream cheese or any soft ricotta with added herbs works well as a substitute. The key is to have a creamy, flavorful base layer.

How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy with all that filling?

Be gentle when spreading the cheese and layering the meat, and make sure to press the top pastry sheet lightly to seal without smushing. Also, keeping the pastry cold until baking helps it puff nicely.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can try vegan puff pastry and replace cheese with plant-based spreads along with veggies like mushrooms or spinach. It might not be exactly the same but still a tasty festive snack!

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe has become one of my holiday staples for a reason — it combines festive flair with approachable ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or a cozy get-together, this tree brings smiles, flavor, and that warm feeling of homemade goodness. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough—you’ll love sharing it as much as I do making it!