Description
This Savoury Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with ham and cheese is a festive and visually stunning appetizer that combines flaky puff pastry with creamy Boursin cheese, savory prosciutto, and melted cheddar. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests with its delicious flavors and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry and Fillings
- 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
Toppings and Finishing
- Mixed seeds for sprinkling
- 1 egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper, setting it aside for later use.
- Layer the Puff Pastry: Lay out one sheet of puff pastry and spread the Boursin cheese evenly over it. Layer the prosciutto over the cheese, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.
- Top with Second Sheet: Carefully place the second sheet of puff pastry over the fillings and gently press down to seal the layers together.
- Cut the Shape: Using a sharp knife, cut a large triangle from the layered pastry. Reserve any extra dough pieces to form a trunk at the base or use cookie cutters to create decorative shapes.
- Make Slits and Twist: Starting from the bottom, make slits about every 3 cm along both sides of the triangle, leaving the center uncut. Gently twist each strip to create a spiral effect without over-twisting to prevent the filling from oozing out.
- Egg Wash and Seeds: Brush the entire pastry with the egg wash, then sprinkle mixed seeds on top for texture and visual appeal.
- Bake: Place the pastry on the prepared baking tray and bake for 25 minutes or until the pastry turns a golden brown color and is fully cooked.
Notes
- This puff pastry Christmas tree is a delightful festive appetizer that can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- If Boursin cheese is unavailable, herbed cream cheese is a great substitute to maintain the creamy texture and flavor.
- Be gentle when twisting the pastry strips to avoid the filling leaking out during baking.
- Use mixed seeds such as sesame, poppy, or sunflower seeds to add a crunchy topping, or omit if preferred.
- Extra dough pieces can be creatively shaped into ornaments using cookie cutters for a fun holiday presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 493 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 395 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0.03 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 32 mg
