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; 150 g prosciutto, salami, or capocollo; 50 g shredded cheddar cheese; Mixed seeds for sprinkling; 1 egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk)

There's something truly magical about a festive appetizer that doubles as a beautiful centerpiece. This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe is exactly that — flaky, cheesy, and visually stunning, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a bit of festive cheer on your table.

The image shows a baked pastry shaped like a Christmas tree on white parchment paper. The pastry has several twisted layers forming branches, each golden brown with darker toasted spots and bits of filling peeking through. The center trunk is a rectangular block topped with mixed seeds in shades of brown and black, which also sprinkle up the middle of the tree. The top of the pastry tapers in a star shape. The background is a white marbled texture. 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

I still remember the first time I made this puff pastry Christmas tree—it was such a hit! The combination of creamy Boursin, savory ham, and melty cheddar wrapped in golden crisp pastry is a crowd-pleaser, and the fun design makes everyone want to dig in (and snap a pic!).

Visual Wow Factor: The tree shape turns a simple appetizer into a festive showstopper that guests will love.
Easy Assembly: No special baking skills are needed—just a few simple steps and you’re set!
Delicious Flavor Combo: The creamy herbed cheese paired with salty ham and sharp cheddar creates the perfect savory bite.
Quick to Make: From prep to golden-out-of-the-oven, it only takes about 45 minutes—great for last minute celebrations.

The image shows a close-up of a freshly baked pastry with a golden-brown crust, twisted into several small sticks and a square piece. The pastry has a flaky, layered texture with visible layers of dough and filling inside. Some of the twisted sticks are topped with mixed seeds that add a crunchy look, featuring a mix of brown, black, and green seeds scattered on top. A woman's hand is reaching in to pick up one of the twisted pieces. In the background, there is a white plate holding halved hard-boiled eggs topped with a yellow yolk mixture and a sprinkle of red spice and green herbs. The food rests on crinkled white parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. The whole scene is lit warmly, showing detailed textures of the pastry and seeds. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients working together to create layers of flavor and texture. Here’s why each component is essential.

Flat lay of two rectangular sheets of pale golden puff pastry, one laid flat and the other slightly overlapping, a round white ceramic bowl filled with creamy herbed Boursin cheese speckled with green herbs, several thin slices of rosy pink prosciutto delicately folded beside the cheese, a small white bowl heaped with bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, a handful of mixed seeds including sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin seeds scattered artistically nearby, one whole brown egg with a smooth clean shell placed next to a small white bowl containing pale creamy milk, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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: Provides the flaky, buttery base that crisps beautifully in the oven; always use thawed but cold pastry to prevent sogginess.
Boursin Cheese: This herbed cream cheese adds a rich, flavorful, and creamy layer that complements the ham perfectly.
Ham (or Prosciutto/Salami/Capocollo): Choose your favorite cured meat for that savory, salty punch; I love prosciutto for its delicate flavor.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a melty, slightly sharp layer that binds everything together.
Mixed Seeds: Sprinkled on top for crunch and a nutty finish that enhances the texture.
Egg Wash (egg + milk): Gives the pastry a beautiful golden sheen and helps the seeds stick.

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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

One of the joys of the Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe is how easy it is to tailor the fillings to your taste or what you have on hand. I often swap out the Boursin for a garlic and herb cream cheese or add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs for an extra festive touch.

Variation: I once made a version with smoked turkey and cranberry sauce swirled inside the tree for a slightly sweet, savory combo that was a hit!

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

Step 1: Prep Your Canvas

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a baking tray with parchment paper. This simple prep step means your pastry won’t stick and cleans up is a breeze later, trust me!

Step 2: Layer the Flavors

Lay out one sheet of puff pastry and spread the Boursin cheese evenly across it. Then, layer your ham (or other cured meat) over the cheese, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar. This layering builds the delicious filling that melts and mingles during baking.

Step 3: Seal & Shape the Tree

Gently place the second sheet of puff pastry over your fillings and press down lightly to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut a large triangle shape to form your tree. Don’t throw away the dough scraps — I like to make a little trunk at the bottom for extra charm.

Step 4: Create the Branches

Starting from the bottom edges of the triangle, make slits about every 3 cm on each side, leaving the center intact. Twist each strip gently to reveal the layers inside—don’t overdo the twisting or the filling might start leaking out during baking.

Step 5: Final Touches and Bake

Brush the entire tree with the egg wash—it’ll give you that irresistible golden glaze. Sprinkle mixed seeds on top for a festive crunch. Then pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes or until it’s puffed up and beautifully golden brown.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few tricks after multiple attempts, and these tips really elevate your Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe to the next level.

Keep Puff Pastry Cold: Puff pastry is temperamental and heats up fast; chilling it before baking helps it puff perfectly without becoming greasy.
Use a Sharp Knife: Clean, precise cuts make the twisting process easier and keep the tree nicely shaped.
Twist Gently: A light twist reveals beautiful layers and helps the filling peek through without leakage.
Egg Wash Carefully: Brush evenly but not too thickly to avoid a soggy look—thin, even coats give that perfect shiny finish.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

Christmas Tree Appetizer - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing the tree with a few fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme tucked around the base—it looks like a real evergreen tree and adds a subtle piney aroma that’s so festive.

Side Dishes

Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted winter veggies. The freshness balances the rich, savory puff pastry beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try placing the tree on a wooden charcuterie board surrounded by bowls of olives, nuts, and slices of fresh fruit for a festive grazing spread everyone can enjoy throughout your party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? Wrap the tree tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pastry softens a bit but warming it gently brings back some crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze this puff pastry tree unbaked if you want to prepare ahead. Shape it on a tray, freeze until firm, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop it into a preheated 180°C (350°F) oven for 10-15 minutes. This helps crisp the pastry without drying out the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe with other fillings?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap ham for turkey, chicken, or even go vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms and spinach. The key is layering a creamy cheese base with flavorful fillings to keep the pastry moist and tasty.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Make sure the puff pastry is cold when you assemble the tree, and don’t overload with watery ingredients. Also, using a cheese spread like Boursin helps create a barrier that keeps moisture out of the dough. Baking at the right temperature until golden ensures crispiness.

Can I freeze the puff pastry tree after baking?

While you can freeze the tree once baked, the texture tends to suffer and become less flaky upon reheating. I recommend freezing it unbaked if possible for the best results.

What’s the best way to serve this recipe at a party?

Serve it warm or at room temperature with a knife for guests to pull off twisted branches. Pair it with light sides like salads or roasted veggies and offer dips like mustard or chutney to complement the flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe always brings a bit of extra joy to my holiday table. It’s the kind of dish that gets everyone chatting as they twist off their own ‘branches’ and savor those melty cheese and ham bites. You’ll enjoy how easy it is to bring a festive feel to any party with minimal fuss—and the leftovers, if there are any, are just as delightful the next day. Give it a try and watch your friends and family light up!