One bite of this **Cheese and Ham Savory Puff Pastry Tree Recipe** and you'll instantly understand why it's become one of my favorite festive treats to whip up. It’s flaky, cheesy, and visually stunning—a total crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make. Let me take you through how you can bring this cheesy, savory goodness right to your table.

The image shows a Christmas tree shaped puff pastry on white parchment paper. The tree has five layers of twisted branches made of golden brown baked dough, revealing a darker filling inside some twists. The top layer is a star made from the same pastry. The center trunk is a rectangular piece of the same dough, sprinkled with mixed seeds in dark and light brown colors. The whole tree is sprinkled with various seeds, adding texture and color contrast. The background is a white marbled texture. 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 Cheese and Ham Savory Puff Pastry Tree Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheese and Ham Savory Puff Pastry Tree Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheese and Ham Savory Puff Pastry Tree Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cheese and Ham Savory Puff Pastry Tree Recipe has everything you want in a party appetizer: it looks impressive but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s got layers of creamy cheese and salty ham nestled inside buttery puff pastry that browns beautifully. Every time I make this, guests ask for the recipe—and it’s so simple that I’m happy to share.

Showstopper Presentation: The tree shape is festive, elegant, and immediately draws everyone’s attention on the table.
Quick & Easy: Just a few ingredients and about 45 minutes from prep to golden perfection.
Perfect Flavor Combo: Creamy Boursin cheese with prosciutto and shredded cheddar adds layers of texture and deliciousness.
Customizable: You can swap cheeses or meats easily to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.

A woman's hand is picking up a twisted puff pastry stick from a group of golden-brown puff pastry sticks and squares laid on white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. The puff pastry sticks have a twisted shape with light and darker golden layers and some visible bits of ham inside, while the squares are topped with a mix of dark and light seeds. The texture looks crispy and flaky. On the side, there is a partial view of a white plate holding halved deviled eggs topped with yellow filling, green herbs, and a sprinkle of red spice. The overall scene has warm colors with natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheese and Ham Savory Puff Pastry Tree Recipe plays a vital role fulfilling both texture and flavor. The puff pastry provides that flaky, buttery foundation, while the creamy cheese spread adds moisture and tang. The prosciutto delivers a touch of salty richness, and the shredded cheddar adds a nice melty bite on top. Mixed seeds lend a crunchy finish and rustic look. Here’s a quick rundown on each:

Flat lay of two sheets of golden, flaky puff pastry stacked slightly apart, a small round ball of creamy white herbed cream cheese, several thin slices of rosy pink prosciutto arranged in gentle folds, a modest pile of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, a neat heap of mixed seeds including sunflower and sesame, a small white ceramic bowl containing a pale yellow egg wash with a visible whole brown egg beside it, all elements balanced symmetrically 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: Use good quality frozen puff pastry—make sure they’re thawed but still cool for easier handling and better rise.
Boursin Cheese or Herbed Cream Cheese: This spreads easily and brings fresh herb flavors, plus creaminess that complements the smoky ham.
Prosciutto (or Salami/Capocollo): Thinly sliced cured meat adds that savory umami punch. You can experiment with other cured meats based on preference.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use a medium-sharp cheddar for a good melt, giving that golden, bubbly finish when baked.
Mixed Seeds: Sunflower, sesame, or poppy seeds add appeal and texture to the golden crust.
Egg Wash (Egg + Milk): Brushing the pastry helps it develop that irresistible glossy, golden brown color in the oven.

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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 my favorite things about this Cheese and Ham Savory Puff Pastry Tree Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I like to mix up the fillings sometimes, depending on what’s in my fridge and mood. Experimenting keeps this recipe fresh and fun for your taste buds!

Variation: I've swapped out prosciutto for smoked turkey or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Each version has a deliciously different vibe! Feel free to try different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a gooier texture.
Dietary modifications: For a lighter version, use a reduced-fat cheese spread and lean deli meats.
Seasonal touches: Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the cheese spread for an extra aromatic lift in winter.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s perfectly hot when your pastry is ready to bake. Line a baking tray with parchment paper—this stops the pastry from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way!

Step 2: Layer the Good Stuff

Open one sheet of the puff pastry onto your work surface. Spread the Boursin cheese evenly over the surface—don’t be shy here, a generous layer makes every bite luscious. Next, scatter the prosciutto slices on top to cover the cheese. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly. This layering ensures every slice of the tree bursts with flavor.

Step 3: Seal and Shape Your Tree

Carefully place the second puff pastry sheet on top of the fillings and gently press down to seal the edges. Now, grab a sharp knife and cut a large triangle. Use any leftover dough to make a small rectangle for the tree trunk—trust me, adding that trunk makes the presentation complete. You could also use cookie cutters to create extra shapes for garnish.

Step 4: Twist into Tree Branches

Starting at the bottom, cut slits about every 3 cm along the sides of the triangle. Be sure to keep the center intact—that’s the tree’s trunk. Take each strip and gently twist it once or twice. The twist pulls the layers apart, showing off those gorgeous fillings. Just don’t over twist, or the filling might ooze out during baking.

Step 5: Add Egg Wash and Seeds

Brush the entire surface lightly with your egg wash to get that perfect, golden sheen. Then sprinkle mixed seeds on top for texture and a touch of rustic charm. This small step takes this recipe from delicious to absolutely show-stopping.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Pop it into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it—once it turns a lovely golden brown and puffed up, it’s ready. The smell in your kitchen will be amazing, so good luck not sneaking a taste!

Top Tip

I’ve made this Cheese and Ham Savory Puff Pastry Tree Recipe more times than I can count, and these tips always help me deliver the best results—flaky, cheesy, and pretty as a picture.

Keep Your Pastry Cold: Handling puff pastry while it’s still cool ensures it puffs up beautifully and doesn’t get too sticky to work with.
Gentle Twists: Twist each branch gently just once or twice so the filling stays neatly inside, avoiding any mess in the oven.
Use a Sharp Knife: A clean cut means neat edges that rise evenly without tearing your pastry.
Egg Wash Right Before Baking: Brushing the egg wash right before the oven prevents sogginess and results in that enticing golden crust.

How to Serve Cheese and Ham Savory Puff Pastry Tree Recipe

cheese and ham puff pastry - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle extra fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives around the base before serving—it adds a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, a little side of tangy mustard or a herby aioli makes each bite even more irresistible. Don’t be afraid to get creative with flaky sea salt or extra mixed seeds on top before baking for that extra crunch.

Side Dishes

This savory tree pairs beautifully with crisp green salads—think arugula with lemon vinaigrette—or roasted vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts. If you’re aiming for indulgence, a side of creamy tomato soup turns this appetizer into a cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve served this puff pastry tree on a wooden board surrounded by colorful napkins and ornaments—guests get totally wowed. Sometimes I make mini versions using smaller triangles to pass around as bite-sized snacks. Another fun idea is to add little edible stars made from leftover dough to place on top of the tree.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend reheating in the oven rather than the microwave to keep the pastry crisp and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This Cheese and Ham Savory Puff Pastry Tree Recipe freezes well, but I like to freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly and freeze; then when you want to serve, thaw in the fridge and bake fresh. This approach keeps the puff pastry flaky and the fillings fresh.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to bring back the crispness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make puff pastry chewy and loses that lovely flaky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Boursin and cheddar offer a creamy and melty combo, you can experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or even goat cheese for different flavor profiles. Just choose cheeses that melt well to keep the tree ooey and gooey inside.

What’s the best way to prevent the filling from leaking out?

Be gentle when twisting each strip of the tree—just one or two twists is enough. Also, make sure the edges of the puff pastry sheets are sealed well together to hold the fillings inside during baking. Using a sharp knife to cut clean lines helps too.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the tree and then refrigerate it for a few hours, or even overnight before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked, assembled tree and bake it fresh when needed.

What do I do if I don’t have mixed seeds?

No worries if you don’t have mixed seeds. You can simply skip this step or substitute with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese to give the top some added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Cheese and Ham Savory Puff Pastry Tree Recipe, it reminds me how something so simple can be so celebratory and special. Whether it’s for holiday parties, family gatherings, or just a fun weekend treat, this recipe delivers flaky layers, savory flavors, and smiles all around. I can’t wait for you to try it out and share this warm, cheesy delight with your loved ones—nothing beats that “wow” moment when you pull it out of the oven. Happy baking!