Sinking your teeth into Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees is like unwrapping a present on a snowy December morning. Picture the crispy, golden exterior giving way to a gooey, cheesy interior bursting with savory ham. soft and fluffy dinner rolls The aroma alone can convince even the most stubborn of holiday grinches to join the festive spirit. This delightful dish not only looks like a culinary masterpiece but tastes like a warm hug on a cold winter day.
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 freeze Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees?
- What dipping sauces pair well with these stuffed trees?
- How long do they take to bake?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I still remember the first time I made these Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees for our family gathering. The way my kids’ eyes lit up was priceless; they practically transformed into little elves, eager to help out in the kitchen. perfect for holiday gatherings Perfect for holiday parties or cozy winter evenings, these trees promise an explosion of flavor that will make your taste buds dance like sugar plums in the night.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This festive dish is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday seasons
- Rich flavors of cheddar and savory ham create a delightful taste experience
- Visually stunning, these edible Christmas trees are sure to impress guests at any gathering
- Versatile enough for appetizers or main courses, this recipe adapts beautifully to various occasions
I once made these for my in-laws, and let’s just say they were too busy devouring them to critique my cooking skills.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Puff Pastry Sheets: These flaky layers create the perfect base; keep them chilled until you’re ready to use them for best results.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor that complements the ham beautifully.
- Diced Ham: Choose quality ham for maximum flavor; leftover holiday ham works wonderfully here.
- Egg Wash: A simple mix of beaten egg and water gives your trees a golden, shiny finish when baked.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds color and freshness; it’s optional but makes your trees look even more festive.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid any sticky situations later on.
Prep the Puff Pastry: Roll out your puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut them into triangle shapes that resemble Christmas trees—there’s no need to be Picasso, just have fun!
Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese and diced ham until evenly mixed. The scent of cheese mingling with savory ham will have you dreaming of holiday feasts.
Fill Your Trees: Place a spoonful of the filling onto each pastry triangle. Fold over one side of the dough over the filling and press to seal tightly; ensure no sneaky filling escapes while baking.
Brush with Egg Wash: Use a pastry brush to coat each stuffed tree with egg wash. This step ensures that your creations come out looking gloriously golden brown.
Bake and Serve!: Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving so you don’t burn your tongue on that delicious cheese!
Now you have delightful Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees ready to dazzle at your next holiday gathering! Enjoy every cheesy bite as laughter fills the air around you—what could be better? sweet pumpkin bars dessert.
You Must Know
- Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees are not just festive; they bring joy with every bite
- These cheesy, savory treats are perfect for gatherings, making them a hit when shared
- The delightful aroma fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to join in the holiday spirit
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your dough while preheating the oven. Roll out the dough, stuff it with cheddar and ham, then shape into trees before baking. This sequence ensures everything bakes evenly and saves you time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the ham for turkey or add some spinach for a pop of color. You can also experiment with different cheeses—Gruyère anyone? Personalizing these trees can create unique flavors for everyone to enjoy.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a warm oven for about 10 minutes until they’re crispy again. This keeps them deliciously fresh!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees, use room temperature ingredients for better mixing
- Avoid overstuffing to prevent spills while baking
- Lastly, let them cool slightly before serving to enhance their flavor
The first time I made these Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees, my family devoured them so quickly that I barely got one myself! Their delighted faces were priceless. For more inspiration, check out this Orange Sweet Rolls recipe.
FAQ
Can I freeze Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees?
Yes, freeze them before baking for up to two months.
What dipping sauces pair well with these stuffed trees?
Garlic aioli or spicy mustard complement the flavors nicely. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
How long do they take to bake?
Bake at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
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 a festive treat that combines flaky puff pastry with rich cheddar cheese and savory ham. These delightful, bite-sized creations not only look stunning but also deliver an explosion of flavor that will impress your guests and warm your heart during the holiday season. Perfect as appetizers or main courses, they are simple to make and sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut them into triangle shapes resembling Christmas trees.
- In a bowl, mix together the cheddar cheese and diced ham.
- Spoon the filling onto each pastry triangle, fold over one side, and press to seal tightly.
- Brush each tree with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
