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Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 11 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: European
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

This Savoury Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with ham and cheese is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of flaky puff pastry filled with creamy Boursin cheese, savory prosciutto, and melted cheddar come together in a visually stunning tree shape, sprinkled with mixed seeds for extra texture and flavor. Easy to prepare and bake, it creates an impressive centerpiece for your celebration table.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

  • 2 sheets puff pastry (500 g)

Filling

  • 100 g Boursin cheese (or herbed cream cheese)
  • 150 g prosciutto (or salami or capocollo)
  • 50 g shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

  • Mixed seeds (to sprinkle)
  • Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Tray: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  2. Assemble First Pastry Layer: Lay one sheet of puff pastry flat, then evenly spread the Boursin cheese over the surface to create a flavorful base.
  3. Add Meat and Cheese Layers: Layer the prosciutto slices evenly over the cheese, followed by sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top for a rich, cheesy filling.
  4. Top with Second Pastry Sheet: Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the fillings and gently press down to seal the layers together without pressing out the fillings.
  5. Shape the Christmas Tree: Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into a large triangle shape representing the tree. Use leftover dough to create the trunk at the triangle base or optional cookie cutter shapes for decoration.
  6. Cut and Twist Branches: Starting from the bottom of the triangle, make slits about every 3 cm along both sides, leaving the center intact. Carefully twist each strip to form the tree branches, taking care not to twist too much to avoid filling leakage.
  7. Apply Egg Wash and Seeds: Brush the entire pastry tree with the egg wash to give it a beautiful golden finish, then sprinkle mixed seeds over the top for added crunch and visual appeal.
  8. Bake: Bake the tree in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the cheese filling is bubbling.

Notes

  • This savoury puff pastry Christmas tree is an excellent festive appetizer that combines ease and elegance.
  • Feel free to swap out prosciutto for other cured meats like salami or capocollo depending on your preference.
  • You can add herbs or spices to the cheese spread for extra flavor customization.
  • Use a sharp knife and be gentle when twisting the pastry strips to keep the filling inside.
  • This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add the egg wash and seeds before baking.

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

Find it online: https://heartyfoodie.com/ham-and-cheese-puff-pastry-christmas-tree-recipe/