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 are filled with creamy Boursin cheese, savory prosciutto, and shredded cheddar, twisted into a beautiful tree shape and topped with mixed seeds for a crunchy finish. Easy to prepare and show-stopping on any table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry (500 g)
- 100 g Boursin cheese or herbed cream cheese
- 150 g prosciutto or salami or capocollo
- 50 g shredded cheddar cheese
- Mixed seeds for topping
- Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Filling: Open one sheet of puff pastry on a flat surface. Spread the Boursin cheese evenly over the pastry sheet. Layer the prosciutto slices on top, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the meat.
- Layer Pastry: Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the filling and gently press down to seal and flatten the layers together.
- Cut the Tree Shape: Using a sharp knife, cut a large triangle shape out of the layered pastry. Use the extra dough to make a small rectangular trunk to attach at the base.
- Make Slits: Starting from the bottom of the triangle, make slits along both sides about every 3 cm, leaving the center uncut to maintain the tree shape.
- Twist Strips: Gently twist each pastry strip to show the filling inside. Be careful not to over-twist to prevent the filling from oozing out.
- Brush and Add Seeds: Brush the entire pastry tree with the egg wash. Sprinkle mixed seeds evenly over the top for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the pastry tree on the prepared baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
Notes
- This recipe makes an impressive festive appetizer that’s both quick and easy to prepare.
- You can substitute Boursin cheese with any herbed cream cheese if unavailable.
- For a vegetarian version, replace prosciutto with sliced roasted vegetables or mushrooms.
- Make sure to twist the strips gently to retain the filling inside while baking.
- Serve warm alongside a dipping sauce like mustard or marinara if desired.
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
