Name: Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup finely diced cooked ham; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a flavor kick); 1 egg (for egg wash); 1 tbsp melted butter; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp dried parsley (for garnish)

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If you’re looking to add a festive touch to your holiday table, these Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees are exactly what you need. Bursting with savory ham and sharp cheddar, wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry shaped like charming Christmas trees, this delightful treat is as fun to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a creative appetizer, or simply craving a cozy snack, these Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees bring warmth and cheer with every bite.

Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Each one plays a vital role, from the buttery puff pastry providing a flaky canvas, to the sharp cheddar and hearty ham delivering packed-in flavor and texture. A little Dijon mustard adds a subtle zing, while garlic powder and parsley offer that perfect finishing flourish.

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed: Your flaky, buttery base that puffs up beautifully in the oven.
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings punchy, melty cheesiness vital for that comforting taste.
1 cup finely diced cooked ham: Adds savory, smoky depth and satisfying bite.
1 egg (for egg wash): Ensures a glossy, golden crust that looks as good as it tastes.
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a flavor kick): Gives a subtle layer of tangy complexity if you’re feeling adventurous.
1 tbsp melted butter: Brushed on at the end to enhance richness and shine.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: Delivers a gentle savory note complementing the cheese and ham.
1/2 tsp dried parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma to finish.

How to Make Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pastry

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your festive trees come out flawless and don’t stick. Meanwhile, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface, making sure they’re even and ready to hold all that cheesy, hammy goodness.

Step 2: Add Flavor Layers

If you’re opting for that extra flavor boost, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard evenly over one puff pastry sheet. This little kick brings a nice tang that balances the richness beautifully. Then sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and diced ham uniformly on top of the mustard (or directly on the pastry if skipping mustard). Press them lightly into the dough so they stick together when baked.

Step 3: Seal and Cut Your Trees

Carefully place the second puff pastry sheet over the cheese and ham layer, gently pressing the edges to seal everything inside. Now for the fun part: use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your festive shapes. Don’t worry if there’s extra pastry — simply gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut out more trees until you’ve used up the dough.

Step 4: Get Ready to Bake

Arrange your Christmas tree shapes on the lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them so they can puff up nicely. Brush the tops with beaten egg to help achieve that irresistible golden shine and pop into the oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until you see those trees puffing up and turning a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch

Once out of the oven, brush the warm treats with melted butter combined with garlic powder. This adds a rich, savory note and a beautiful sheen. Sprinkle dried parsley over the top for a festive green pop and a touch of herbal freshness. Your Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees are now ready to bring delight to your holiday spread!

How to Serve Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees

Garnishes

These Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees are delightful on their own, but a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or a dash of paprika can brighten them up even more. For a festive twist, serve with a side of cranberry chutney or a mild honey mustard dip to complement the savory flavor with a hint of sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pairing works wonders here: a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly, or consider a bowl of warm tomato soup alongside for a cozy, comforting meal. Roasted vegetables or a simple coleslaw also make for excellent companions that add freshness and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Arrange your Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees on a large platter lined with fresh rosemary sprigs for a woodsy, aromatic feel. You could also serve them individually on cinnamon-dusted plates or with toothpicks for easy snacking during holiday parties. The festive shape practically guarantees smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees (though unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the pastry from becoming soggy while maintaining the fresh flavors inside.

Freezing

These tasty treats freeze beautifully! Arrange the unbaked Christmas tree shapes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can prep ahead for holiday gatherings without stress.

Reheating

For the perfect reheated snack, pop your Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This revives the crispiness of the puff pastry and melts the cheese to its original ooey-gooey lushness, making them taste as fresh as when first made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar provides a fantastic flavor, you can try Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack depending on your taste preferences. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese to get that delightfully gooey interior.

What if I don’t have a Christmas tree cookie cutter?

No worries! You can cut the puff pastry into triangles or any festive shape you like using a knife. Alternatively, use a star-shaped or bell-shaped cutter to keep the holiday vibe.

Is there a vegetarian version of these stuffed trees?

Yes! Simply omit the ham and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian filling that still pairs beautifully with cheddar cheese.

Can I make these ahead of time and bake later?

Definitely. Assemble the stuffed trees and place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. Just remember to brush them with egg wash right before they go into the oven for that perfect golden finish.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Spreading a thin layer of mustard or even a light brush of egg wash on the bottom layer before adding the cheese and ham helps create a barrier that keeps the pastry crisp. Also, baking them on a parchment-lined sheet at the right temperature ensures they puff up quickly and don’t become soggy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about creating and sharing Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees during the holiday season. They bring together classic flavors in a playful, festive form that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to try making these delightful bites — they’re easy, delicious, and perfect for spreading holiday joy around the table!

Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 23 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 12 stuffed Christmas trees 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

These Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees are a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Flaky puff pastry envelopes a savory mix of sharp cheddar cheese and diced ham, baked to golden perfection and brushed with a flavorful garlic butter glaze. They bring a fun and tasty twist to your Christmas party spread.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry Base

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed

Filling

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup finely diced cooked ham
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a flavor kick)

Finishing

1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the two sheets of puff pastry to smooth and even thickness.
Add Mustard (Optional): If desired, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard evenly over one sheet of the puff pastry to add an extra flavor dimension.
Add Filling: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and finely diced cooked ham evenly over the sheet with mustard, gently pressing the filling into the dough to help it adhere.
Top with Second Sheet: Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the filling and press gently all around the edges to seal the two layers together.
Cut Out Shapes: Using a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut out tree shapes from the layered pastry. Re-roll the scraps and repeat until all dough is used.
Egg Wash: Arrange the cut-out Christmas trees on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Finish and Garnish: Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and brush over the hot pastries. Sprinkle dried parsley on top for a festive garnish before serving.

Notes

You can substitute ham with cooked bacon or turkey for a different flavor.
For a vegetarian version, omit ham and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Make sure puff pastry is fully thawed before working to avoid cracking.
Use a sharp cookie cutter to get clean shapes and seal edges well to prevent filling leakage.
Serve warm for best taste and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American