The holiday season is a magical time filled with twinkling lights, joyful gatherings, and, of course, mouthwatering food. Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen, where the aroma of warm, cheesy goodness fills the air as you prepare your very own Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees. Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl These delightful little creations not only look like festive trees but also promise an explosion of flavor that will have your family and friends asking for seconds.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use other meats in Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees?
- How can I make these ahead of time?
- What dipping sauces pair well with these stuffed trees?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Bringing these edible masterpieces to life is not just about cooking; it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime. Picture this: laughter around the dinner table, the clinking of glasses, and everyone digging into these cheesy delights with glee. soft buttery dinner rolls They are perfect for holiday parties or cozy family dinners, making your celebrations even more special!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to impress guests without stress
- Their rich flavors will have everyone coming back for more
- Visually stunning and playful, they bring holiday cheer to any table
- Versatile enough to serve as appetizers or main dishes, they adapt perfectly to any festive gathering
I remember the first time I made these Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees. roasted Brussels sprouts My kids’ eyes lit up like Christmas lights when they saw them on the table!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pre-made Puff Pastry: This saves time; just thaw it before use for flaky perfection.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor that melts beautifully.
- Diced Ham: Choose your favorite ham; smoked varieties add an extra layer of taste.
- Egg Wash: Just one egg whisked with water gives those trees a golden finish.
- Herbs (Optional): Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme add a pop of color and freshness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Work Surface: Clear a clean surface and sprinkle it lightly with flour to prevent sticking when rolling out the puff pastry.
Roll Out Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on your floured surface. Roll them out slightly to ensure even thickness for cutting. For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Cookies recipe.
Cut Into Tree Shapes: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut triangle shapes resembling Christmas trees from the pastry sheet. Aim for uniform sizes for even baking.
Add Filling: Place shredded cheddar cheese and diced ham in each tree shape’s center. Be generous but avoid overstuffing—nobody wants an exploding tree!
Seal Edges and Apply Egg Wash: Fold over the edges of each tree to seal in all that cheesy goodness. Brush with egg wash for that golden-brown finish.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the stuffed trees on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up beautifully.
These steps are simple yet effective! As you follow along, enjoy the delightful aromas filling your kitchen—nothing beats that savory scent wafting through the air!
Now you’re ready to serve these festive Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees at your next holiday gathering! Just remember: no matter how they turn out, what matters most is the joy shared around your dining table during this magical season! For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
You Must Know
- Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees are not just festive; they deliver hearty flavor
- Ensure you balance the richness of cheese with the saltiness of ham for a delightful taste experience
- Your kitchen will smell like a holiday wonderland while they bake
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough, then stuff it with ham and cheese before shaping it into trees. Bake until golden brown to achieve that perfect flaky texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ham for turkey or add herbs like rosemary for extra flavor. Experiment with different cheeses for unique results that suit your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm to maintain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother dough and better rise
- Avoid overstuffing to keep your trees from bursting in the oven
- Brush with egg wash for a beautiful golden finish
The first time I made Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees, my family thought I was a culinary magician! Their smiles were priceless when they tasted those cheesy delights.
FAQ
Can I use other meats in Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees?
Absolutely! Chicken or turkey also works well for this recipe. juicy Thanksgiving turkey.
How can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare them up to a day before, then refrigerate before baking.
What dipping sauces pair well with these stuffed trees?
Honey mustard or ranch dressing enhances their delicious flavors perfectly.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 stuffed trees 1x
Description
Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees are the perfect festive treat for your holiday gatherings. These delightful, tree-shaped pastries are filled with gooey cheddar cheese and savory ham, making them a hit with family and friends. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, they add a touch of whimsy to your table while delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether served as appetizers or a main dish, these cheesy delights will leave everyone asking for more!
Ingredients
- 1 package (17.3 oz) pre-made puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced ham (smoked preferred)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly flour your work surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry to an even thickness.
- Cut triangle shapes resembling Christmas trees from the pastry.
- Place shredded cheddar cheese and diced ham in the center of each tree shape.
- Fold edges over to seal and brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake on a lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed tree (approx. 50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
