Name: Ham and Cheese Christmas Puff Pastry 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 (such as sesame, sunflower, or poppy seeds), as needed; Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk)

There’s something magical about the way puff pastry puffs up golden and flaky, especially when it’s filled with gooey cheese and savory ham. This Ham and Cheese Christmas Puff Pastry Tree Recipe is truly one of those festive crowd-pleasers that tastes just as good as it looks—plus, it’s surprisingly easy to pull off even if you’re not a seasoned baker.

The image shows a pastry shaped like a Christmas tree on white parchment paper. The tree has layers made from twisted strips of golden-brown dough filled with visible red and green ingredients, creating a striped effect. The center trunk is a thicker rectangular piece of the same dough with seeds sprinkled on top, continuing up the tree with a variety of toasted seeds scattered along the middle line. The texture looks flaky and crisp, with darker browned spots at the edges of the twists. The entire pastry sits on a white marbled surface with some small gold confetti pieces near the edges. 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 Christmas Puff Pastry Tree Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Christmas Puff Pastry Tree Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ham and Cheese Christmas Puff Pastry Tree Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made this ham and cheese Christmas puff pastry tree a few holidays ago, and it instantly became a festive staple around my house. It’s impressive enough for guests but simple enough for a casual weekend snack—perfect for spreading holiday cheer without stress.

Festive and Fun: The tree shape puts an extra-special holiday spin on a classic savory treat.
Easy Yet Elegant: Just a few simple ingredients come together quickly for a snack that looks fancy but isn’t complicated.
Customizable Flavor: You can swap out the ham or cheese to suit your taste or dietary needs easily.
Great Shareable Appetizer: Perfect for parties and potlucks because everyone can grab a slice and enjoy.

The image shows a golden-brown twisted puff pastry topped with mixed seeds like pumpkin and sesame seeds, resting on white baking paper. The pastry has several twisted strips, each showing layers of flaky, crispy dough with some darker toasted spots. A woman's hand is reaching in to pick up one piece, highlighting the texture and lightness of the pastry. To the right, on a white plate, there are halved hard-boiled eggs topped with yellow filling, red paprika, and green herbs. The background is a white marbled texture with warm natural light enhancing the colors and details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Ham and Cheese Christmas Puff Pastry Tree Recipe lies in the simplicity and balance of the ingredients. Puff pastry brings the flaky, buttery base, while the mix of cheeses adds creaminess and sharpness, and the cured ham introduces just the right salty bite.

Flat lay of two sheets of golden puff pastry stacked slightly offset, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy herbed Boursin cheese spread, thin delicate slices of pink prosciutto arranged in soft folds, a neat pile of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, a handful of mixed whole seeds scattered loosely, one whole uncracked brown egg, and a small white ceramic bowl containing pale yellow egg wash mixture, all items arranged in 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: Make sure to buy good-quality puff pastry for that perfect flaky texture and buttery richness.
Boursin Cheese (or herbed cream cheese): This adds a flavorful, creamy base layer that keeps everything moist inside.
Prosciutto (or salami or capocollo): These cured meats provide savory depth and a delightful chew.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A lovely sharp contrast that melts beautifully and helps bind the layers.
Mixed Seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and festive decoration to the top.
Egg Wash: Essential for that gorgeous golden color and shine on the pastry.

📝

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 best things about this Ham and Cheese Christmas Puff Pastry Tree Recipe is how you can tailor it to your own taste buds. I often experiment with different cheeses or swap prosciutto for spicy chorizo for an extra kick. Feel free to get creative!

Variation: I once made a vegetarian version using spinach and artichoke cream cheese with roasted red peppers for color and flavor — still festive and just as delicious.

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

Step 1: Prep your oven and pastry sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a baking tray with parchment paper. This simple step sets you up for success by preventing sticking and allowing an even bake. Then, lay out your first puff pastry sheet and get ready to layer.

Step 2: Layer with Boursin cheese and prosciutto

Spread the Boursin cheese evenly over the first puff pastry sheet. The herby creaminess acts as a delicious glue holding the toppings together. Next, drape the prosciutto slices across—don’t worry about being too neat here; the rustic look makes it charming!

Step 3: Sprinkle cheddar and add the second pastry sheet

Generously toss shredded cheddar over the ham, which will melt and create layers of flavor. Gently place the second puff pastry sheet on top, making sure to press the edges lightly so everything stays sealed while baking.

Step 4: Shape your Christmas tree

Using a sharp knife, cut a large triangle from the layered pastry to form your tree shape. Don’t toss those extra scraps! I like to shape a trunk at the bottom with leftover dough or use cookie cutters to create cute ornaments for extra flair.

Step 5: Twist the branches

Make horizontal cuts about every 3 centimeters along the sides of the triangle to create branches, leaving the center uncut. Then gently twist each strip once or twice—twisting too much can cause the filling to ooze out, so be delicate here.

Step 6: Brush, seed, and bake

Brush the entire tree with the egg wash — this step is key for that dreamy golden shine. Sprinkle mixed seeds on top for extra texture and festive sparkle. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until golden and puffed. The smell alone will have your guests begging for a slice!

Top Tip

I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and a few little nuggets of wisdom can really lift your results from “good” to “wow.” Here’s what I’ve learned along the way to help you nail it on your very first try:

Sharp Knife Matters: Don’t skip using a sharp knife for the cuts — it ensures clean twists and prevents the pastry from tearing.
Don't Over-Twist: Twisting each strip gently preserves the filling inside without messy cheese leaks on your baking tray.
Egg Wash Timing: Brush the egg wash right before popping into the oven to lock in that glossy finish.
Keep the Pastry Cold: If the puff pastry is too warm, it won’t puff properly. Keep it chilled until the last moment before baking.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Christmas Puff Pastry Tree Recipe

ham and cheese puff pastry - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a few fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or chives right after baking—it adds a burst of color and freshness. Sometimes, a drizzle of honey mustard or a side of tangy chutney kicks things up a notch, too.

Side Dishes

This pastry tree pairs beautifully with a crisp mixed green salad or a simple bowl of tomato soup for a heartier feel. For festive gatherings, I like serving it alongside marinated olives and roasted nuts on a charcuterie board.

Creative Ways to Present

Last Christmas, I placed the tree on a wooden platter surrounded by mini ornaments and fairy lights—it made for a stunning centerpiece. You could also cut little stars and hearts from leftover dough to scatter around or serve individual portions on festive plates for a fun touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They usually stay fresh for up to 2 days, though I recommend eating them relished while still a bit crisp.

Freezing

This Christmas puff pastry tree freezes well before baking—just shape and freeze on a tray, then wrap tightly. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time for a fresh-from-the-oven feel when you're ready.

Reheating

To keep the pastry crispy when reheating, pop slices into a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes. Skip the microwave if you want to avoid sogginess—you’ll thank me later!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought cream cheese instead of Boursin?

Absolutely! Any herbed cream cheese works well, though Boursin has a nice blend of herbs and garlic that really complements the ham. Just make sure it’s spreadable and not too watery.

What if I don’t have mixed seeds?

No worries – you can skip the seeds or sprinkle some sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even grated Parmesan for a similar crunchy, flavorful topping.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free puff pastry, which is available at many grocery stores now. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a festive treat for everyone.

How far in advance can I prepare this?

You can assemble the tree the day before, keep it covered in the fridge, and then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. Just bring it to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to ensure even puffing.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Christmas Puff Pastry Tree Recipe is one of those festive treats that manages to be both special and effortless, which is really the dream during the busy holiday season. It’s a cheerful centerpiece and a delicious bite all in one. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll find yourself reaching for puff pastry more often than you thought possible — and your friends and family will be asking for seconds every time it appears!