Description
This Savoury Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with ham and cheese is a festive, delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of herbed cream cheese, prosciutto, and cheddar cheese are encased in flaky puff pastry, twisted into a charming tree shape, sprinkled with mixed seeds, and baked to golden perfection.
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 the oven to 180°C/350°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- Assemble the base: Open one sheet of puff pastry on a flat surface and spread the herbed cheese evenly over it. Layer the prosciutto evenly on top, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the meat.
- Add the top layer: Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the fillings and gently press it down to seal the layers together.
- Shape the tree: Using a sharp knife, cut a large triangle from the layered pastry. Save the extra dough pieces to create a trunk at the bottom or cut festive shapes with cookie cutters for decoration.
- Cut the branches: Starting from the bottom of the triangle, cut the sides to create slits about every 3 cm, leaving the center uncut to form the trunk of the tree.
- Twist the branches: Gently twist each strip to reveal the filling. Be careful not to over twist to avoid the fillings oozing out during baking.
- Brush and decorate: Brush the entire pastry tree with the egg wash and sprinkle mixed seeds on top for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the pastry tree on the prepared baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
Notes
- This appetizer is perfect as a stunning festive centerpiece that is quick and easy to make.
- Feel free to substitute the prosciutto with salami or capocollo according to preference.
- Use herbed cream cheese if Boursin is not available to maintain the flavor profile.
- Mixed seeds add crunchy texture; you can use sesame, poppy, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds.
- Ensure to twist gently to keep the filling inside the pastry for the best presentation and taste.
- Make extra shapes or dough details with leftover pastry for a more festive look.
- Serve warm for the best taste and flaky texture.
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
