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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed Christmas tree
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Christmas appetizers, holiday snacks, puff pastry recipe, stuffed pastries, cheddar ham bites
