Nothing says festive cheer quite like sharing a cheesy, flaky treat with friends and family. That’s why I’m excited to share this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe—a show-stopping appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat. Just wait until you see that golden, twisted pastry sparkle on your holiday table!

The dish is shaped like a Christmas tree made from twisted, golden-brown pastry layers. The tree has several curving branches on both sides, each branch showing a textured twist with darker baked lines and reddish filling peeking through. The base of the tree is a square block of the same pastry, topped with scattered seeds like pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds, which also spread along the tree trunk and branches. The entire pastry rests on crumpled white baking paper set on a brown wooden surface. 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

This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser every time I make it during the holidays. It’s impressive-looking but surprisingly simple, so you don’t need to be a pro baker to pull it off.

Showstopper Presentation: The puff pastry twists create a festive tree shape that's perfect for holiday parties.
Easy Assembly: Just a few simple ingredients layered together—no fancy techniques needed.
Delicious Filling: Creamy Boursin cheese with savory ham and melty cheddar is an unbeatable combo.
Customizable: You can easily swap toppings or add your favorite seeds for extra texture and flavor.

A woman’s hand is holding a golden brown twisted pastry stick with a flaky texture and visible layers. The pastry sticks are arranged in rows on white crumpled baking paper, showing different toppings such as mixed seeds and herbs. The flaky layers inside the twists reveal a filling with a lightly browned surface. To the right, a white plate holds deviled eggs with bright yellow filling, sprinkled with red spice and green herb garnish. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, highlighting the warm colors of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The blend of creamy, salty, and crispy textures in this recipe is exactly what makes it so irresistible. Each ingredient brings something special to the table and together they create a perfectly balanced festive appetizer.

Flat lay of two fresh golden sheets of puff pastry, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy herbed Boursin cheese, several thin slices of rosy pink prosciutto arranged neatly, a small mound of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, a small white bowl holding mixed seeds with pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds visible, one whole clean brown egg, and a small white bowl containing a pale milky egg wash placed 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 Sheets: The flaky, buttery layers puff up beautifully to create that iconic tree texture.
Boursin Cheese (or herbed cream cheese): Adds a creamy, herby base that complements the saltiness of the meats perfectly.
Prosciutto (or salami, capocollo): I love using prosciutto for that delicate, savory flavor, but feel free to use your favorite cured meat.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts to add gooey richness and an extra burst of flavor.
Mixed Seeds: Sprinkled on top for a nutty crunch and a festive, rustic look.
Egg Wash (egg + milk): Creates a beautiful golden sheen on the puff pastry, making it look bakery-worthy.

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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 best things about this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe is how much you can personalize it. I've played around with different fillings and toppings, and it always turns out great!

Variation: Sometimes I swap the prosciutto for spicy salami to add a little kick—my guests love that unexpected zing.
Dietary tweak: For a vegetarian version, use sun-dried tomatoes and spinach with the Boursin cheese; it’s just as tasty and colorful.
Seeds choice: Feel free to use sesame, poppy, or pumpkin seeds depending on what you have on hand or prefer.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pastry and Filling

First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper—this keeps the pastry from sticking and helps with easy cleanup. Then, gently unfold one sheet of your puff pastry and spread the Boursin (or herbed cream cheese) evenly across it. Don't be shy here; a generous layer makes all the difference in creamy goodness.

Step 2: Layer Ham and Cheese

Next, place your prosciutto slices over the cheese spread. I like to crinkle them up a bit for better texture and even coverage. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. The mix of creamy cheese, salty ham, and sharp cheddar creates that irresistible flavor combo.

Step 3: Top and Trim Your Tree

Carefully layer the second sheet of puff pastry over your fillings and gently press down to seal everything in. Use a sharp knife to cut out a large triangle—this will be the shape of your Christmas tree. Save any leftover dough to make a little “trunk” at the base or fun shapes with cookie cutters.

Step 4: Twist and Shape the Tree

Make cuts along both sides of the triangle, about every 3 cm, leaving the centre intact to hold the tree together. Now for the fun part—gently twist each strip a couple of times. Don’t twist too much or the filling might spill out while it bakes. This gives your tree that classic pine branch look.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Seeds

Brush the entire tree with egg wash for that beautiful glossy, golden finish. Then sprinkle your mixed seeds on top for crunch and extra visual appeal. This is where your tree really starts to shine.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop your festive tree into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You want the pastry to puff up nicely and turn a rich golden brown. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook—flaky and golden is your sweet spot.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few tweaks can make all the difference between a good and a great Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe:

Keep Pastry Cold: Make sure your puff pastry is well chilled before working with it—warm pastry is harder to handle and won’t puff as nicely.
Use a Sharp Knife: A clean, sharp knife gives crisp edges on your cuts which helps the folding and twisting process look neat.
Don’t Overfill: Be generous but balanced with fillings to avoid sogginess or spilling out when baking.
Egg Wash Matters: That golden color and shine come from the egg wash, so don’t skip it—even if you want to keep it simple!

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

Christmas Tree Appetizer - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish off my tree by adding a sprinkle of coarse sea salt and a few fresh rosemary sprigs around the plate for that pine tree vibe. Sometimes a dusting of finely grated Parmesan on top before baking adds an extra cheesy crunch I adore.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a fresh winter salad—think arugula, pomegranate seeds, and a light lemon vinaigrette—or some cranberry chutney on the side for a sweet contrast. It’s always a hit alongside a bowl of warm soup during holiday gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Try placing the tree on a big wooden cutting board surrounded by string lights or edible glitter for a festive touch. I also like turning individual twisted strips into mini “ornaments” by cutting off twists and arranging them around the main tree for extra snacking fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pastry will lose some crispness but reheats nicely.

Freezing

I’ve had success freezing the unbaked, assembled tree wrapped tightly in cling film and foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the pastry into a 180°C (350°F) oven for 8-10 minutes to crisp up the layers again. Microwave isn’t great here since it makes the pastry soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the tree and keep it refrigerated for a few hours before baking, or freeze it unbaked for later baking. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent drying out.

What can I substitute for Boursin cheese?

If you don’t have Boursin cheese on hand, herbed cream cheese or even a mixture of cream cheese and garlic powder with fresh herbs works beautifully as a substitute.

Can I use gluten-free puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, gluten-free puff pastry can be used. Just keep in mind that it may behave slightly differently during baking, so watch the cooking time closely to avoid burning.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Be careful not to overfill the tree. Leave the edges clear when layering and twist the strips gently—not too tight—to keep the filling inside during baking.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe has become a beloved tradition in my kitchen because it’s simple, festive, and downright delicious. I love how it brings everyone together around the table, proof that great food can be fuss-free and still totally wow. Give it a try—you'll enjoy the smiles as much as the taste!