There’s something truly magical about the holidays, especially when the kitchen fills with the smell of warm, cheesy pastry. This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe is just that kind of special—festive, fun to make, and absolutely delicious. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any gathering, guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy those savory cravings.

The image shows a Christmas tree shaped pastry with golden-brown twisted layers arranged to mimic tree branches spreading out sideways in five rows, topped with mixed seeds including pumpkin and sesame seeds scattered on the surface. The tree trunk is a small rectangular block of the same pastry with similar seed topping. The pastry rests on white baking paper placed on a warm brown wooden surface. Some golden confetti pieces are scattered around the pastry on the wood background. Partial plates with other appetizers are visible but mostly out of frame. 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 recipe combines the cozy nostalgia of ham and cheese with a playful twist that makes it downright irresistible. I first made this for a holiday brunch and was amazed by how quickly it disappeared—everyone loved tearing off its cheesy, crispy branches!

Showstopping Presentation: The Christmas tree shape instantly elevates your appetizer table and adds festive cheer.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of what you need already, making it an easy last-minute treat to whip up.
Perfect for Sharing: Pull-apart strips mean everyone can grab a piece without fuss.
Customizable Flavors: You can switch up the ham and cheese types to suit your taste or dietary needs.

The image shows a woman's hand holding a golden brown puff pastry stick with twisted layers and a slightly crispy texture. The puff pastry is arranged in rows on white, crinkled baking paper on a wooden surface, with some sticks topped with mixed seeds like pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower. The pastries have a shiny, baked surface with some darker brown spots and visible bits of filling inside. To the right, there is a white plate with halved boiled eggs topped with a creamy, yellow filling and a sprinkle of red seasoning and green herb. The background shows a warm wooden table and the scene is well-lit. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

At the heart of this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe are simple, quality ingredients that come together in a beautiful, flaky, and flavorful bite. Choosing your ingredients thoughtfully can make a huge difference, so here’s why each one matters.

Flat lay of two sheets of golden puff pastry, a small white bowl of creamy herbed cheese spread, thin delicate slices of pink prosciutto arranged in a gentle curl, a small white bowl filled with shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, a few mixed seeds scattered loosely, a whole clean brown egg beside a small white bowl containing fresh milk placed side by side, all ingredients neatly 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: This flaky, buttery base is what gives texture and structure to the tree; buy good quality frozen sheets and thaw them properly for the best puff.
Boursin Cheese (or Herbed Cream Cheese): It adds a creamy, flavorful layer that contrasts perfectly with the saltiness of the meats and sharpness of shredded cheddar.
Prosciutto (or Salami, Capocollo): These thinly sliced cured meats bring a savory depth that makes every bite satisfying.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This melts beautifully inside, creating gooey pockets that pair superbly with the ham and herbs.
Mixed Seeds: Sprinkled on top, they add crunch and a rustic touch, making the tree extra festive.
Egg Wash (egg + milk): Brushing this on before baking ensures a shiny, golden finish that's as tasty as it looks.

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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

I love how easy it is to put a personal spin on this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe. Whether you like it extra cheesy or want to sneak in some greens, this recipe welcomes your creativity.

Vegetarian Variation: I’ve swapped the ham for sautéed mushrooms and spinach before, and it’s just as delightful with the creamy cheese binding it all.
Spice It Up: Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes inside gives a subtle kick that’s perfect for those who like a little zing.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with gruyère or mozzarella for varied meltiness and flavor profiles—every variation feels fresh and fun!

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

Step 1: Get Ready and Prep Your Base

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a baking tray with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier, and your pastry won’t stick. Then, carefully unroll one sheet of puff pastry onto your work surface. Don’t worry if it’s cold and a bit stiff; just give it a few minutes at room temperature to ease up without letting it get too warm.

Step 2: Layer the Flavors

Spread a generous layer of your Boursin or herbed cream cheese evenly over the puff pastry sheet. Think of this as the glue that brings all the ingredients together. Next, layer your prosciutto (or whichever cured meat you choose) so it covers the cheese. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar all over—don’t be shy here because it melts into pure heaven.

Step 3: Seal with Second Pastry Sheet and Shape Your Tree

Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the filling, then gently press down to seal everything without squishing the layers flat. Using a sharp knife, cut a large triangle shape to be your tree. Keep the leftover dough to craft a "trunk" or get creative with cookie-cutters for festive shapes to add as extra touches.

Step 4: Creating Those Twisty Branches

Here comes the fun part. Starting from the base, make slits on both sides of the triangle about every 3 centimeters, keeping the center line intact. Take each strip and gently twist it once or twice—don’t overdo it or the filling might ooze out while baking. This gives your tree those lovely layered “branches” that make people want to dig right in.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Seed Topping

Mix your egg and milk to make an egg wash, then brush it all over the pastry for that beautiful golden sheen. Sprinkle mixed seeds on top for texture and a nutty flavor that also adds a bit of holiday sparkle.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your tree into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry turns a gorgeous golden brown and sounds crisp when tapped. Keep an eye nearby because ovens can vary; you want it cooked through but not burnt!

Top Tip

Making this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe perfectly takes a little finesse, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze. These tips helped me every time I made it—and I’m sure they’ll help you, too!

Keep Everything Cool: Cold puff pastry is easier to work with and puffs better in the oven, so avoid letting it warm up too much before baking.
Don’t Over-Twist: A gentle twist on the slits maintains the filling inside and keeps branches neat rather than messy.
Brush Evenly: The egg wash ensures that lovely golden color and helps the seeds stick—don’t skip this step.
Watch Your Oven: Because oven temps vary, start checking your tree at 20 minutes to prevent overbaking.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme around the base to give it that fresh, festive look. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of paprika or even a tiny dab of Dijon mustard on the side—it brightens the flavors beautifully when you dunk a piece in.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette or some roasted winter vegetables for a heartier option. If you’re serving it as part of a spread, olives, pickles, and a simple fruit platter balance the rich pastry nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the tree on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of mustard, chutney, or honey mustard on the side. For kids' parties, place little red cherry tomato “ornaments” on toothpicks stuck gently into the tree branches before baking. It adds an adorable touch that always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 2 days and are fantastic warmed up for a snack or quick lunch.

Freezing

This puff pastry Christmas tree freezes well before baking. I usually assemble the tree, freeze it on a baking sheet, then transfer it to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just bake from frozen—adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Reheating

To keep that crisp pastry texture when reheating, I pop leftovers into a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 8–10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the flakiness intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! You can assemble the tree a few hours before baking and keep it in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent the pastry from drying out, then bake right before serving for the best puff and crispness.

What if I don’t have Boursin cheese on hand?

No worries. Herbed cream cheese or even a soft ricotta mixed with herbs works perfectly in this recipe. The key is that creamy, flavorful layer to complement the salty ham and cheddar.

Can I use different types of meat or make it vegetarian?

Definitely. You can swap prosciutto for salami, capocollo, or your favorite cured meat. For a vegetarian option, try sautéed mushrooms and spinach, or roasted veggies with the cheese layer. It’ll still be delicious and festive!

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out while baking?

The trick is not to over-twist the puff pastry strips. Just a gentle twist keeps the filling tucked inside. Also, pressing firmly but gently when sealing the second sheet of pastry over the filling helps keep everything in place. Baking on parchment paper makes cleanup easier if any minor oozing happens.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe holds a warm spot in my holiday traditions—it’s simple enough to enjoy making with friends or family, yet impressive enough to wow your guests. I hope you find as much joy in creating and sharing it as I do each festive season. Trust me, once you make it, this pull-apart savory tree is going to become a holiday staple in your house. Give it a try and watch everyone fall in love bite by bite!