The holidays are upon us, and nothing brings out the festive spirit quite like a plate of Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees. Imagine the aroma of melting cheese mingling with the savory scent of ham, creating a mouthwatering experience that’ll have your family gathering around the table faster than you can say “pass the gravy.” These delightful little trees are not just visually stunning; they pack a flavor punch that will leave everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds. festive drink ideas quick festive desserts fun holiday snacks for kids.
As a child, I remember my grandmother’s kitchen during the holidays, filled with laughter and the smell of delicious food. She always had something special up her sleeve for our Christmas gatherings. Fast forward to today, and I’ve made it my mission to keep that tradition alive. stuffed pepper variations With these Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees, I can almost hear my grandma’s voice encouraging me to add more cheese because there’s no such thing as too much cheese during the holidays!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees are easy to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings
- The rich flavors will delight your taste buds while their festive shape adds fun to any table
- Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—perfect as an appetizer or party snack!
Every holiday season, friends and family rave about how delicious these trees are when I serve them!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Puff Pastry: Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience; it gives an excellent flaky texture that pairs beautifully with the filling.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Opt for high-quality sharp cheddar for a robust flavor that contrasts perfectly with the savory ham.
- Diced Ham: Choose your favorite deli ham; smoked varieties add a lovely depth of flavor.
- Egg Wash: Made from beaten egg; it gives those pastry trees a golden-brown finish that is irresistibly appealing.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish; it adds a pop of color and freshness to complement the rich flavors of cheese and ham.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Workspace: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you clear off some counter space for rolling out the pastry.
Roll Out Puff Pastry: Unroll your puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to smooth out any creases until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
Cut Into Tree Shapes: Using a tree-shaped cookie cutter or knife, cut out tree shapes from the pastry. You can also make smaller trees for bite-sized treats if you prefer.
Add Cheese and Ham Filling: Place diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese onto one half of each tree shape. Leave some space at the edges so you can fold them properly.
Seal Your Trees: Fold over the other half of each tree shape on top of the filling, pressing down firmly on the edges. Use a fork to seal them tightly so that no delicious filling escapes during baking.
Brush with Egg Wash: Beat an egg in a small bowl and brush this mixture over each pastry tree for that golden-brown finish in the oven.
Now you’re ready to bake your masterpiece! Place your stuffed trees on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and slide them into your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and bubbly.
These Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees will surely impress at any holiday gathering! Their delightful flavor combination is sure to spark joy around your dinner table this season. Enjoy every cheesy bite! For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes recipe.
You Must Know
- Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees are a festive delight, combining the rich flavors of cheese and ham
- The combination creates an unforgettable appetizer that dazzles guests and brings holiday cheer to any gathering
- Make sure to serve them warm for the best experience
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough, then roll it out before filling with cheese and ham. Bake until golden brown for optimal flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in your favorite cheeses or add herbs like rosemary for a unique twist. Personal touches make recipes memorable.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees turn out perfectly, consider these expert techniques
- They will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your dish to new heights!</p>
- <p>Start with quality ingredients for richer flavors and better results.</p>
- <p>Avoid overstuffing your trees; they need room to puff up nicely while baking.</p>
- <p>Let your stuffed trees rest briefly before serving; they will hold their shape better
Creating these Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter fills the air, making every bite taste even better.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Experiment with mozzarella or gouda for diverse flavors in your stuffed trees.
How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Make sure to bake on a preheated baking sheet; this helps achieve that crispy bottom.
Can I freeze these stuffed trees?
Yes, freeze them before baking. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy!
Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees are a festive delight that combines the rich flavors of sharp cheddar cheese and savory ham, all encased in flaky puff pastry. These adorable tree-shaped appetizers are perfect for holiday gatherings, bringing warmth and cheer to your table. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, they’ll make your celebrations memorable as guests gather for a delicious treat.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut the pastry into tree shapes using a cookie cutter or knife.
- On one half of each tree shape, place shredded cheddar and diced ham, leaving edges clear.
- Fold over the other half of each tree shape and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush each tree with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed tree (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
