Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees – Fluffy, Savory & Perfect for Holiday Parties

Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees – Fluffy, Savory & Perfect for Holiday Parties

These Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees are the ultimate holiday appetizer — warm, fluffy, golden pull-apart bread pieces shaped like festive Christmas trees and stuffed with gooey cheddar cheese and savory diced ham.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Servings: 3 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Dough & Filling

1 can refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
1 –1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup finely diced cooked ham
2 tablespoons softened butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried parsley
Optional: ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste

For Brushing & Garnish

2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or parsley
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
Optional: marinara ranch, or honey mustard for dipping

Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Small bowl
Pastry brush
Knife & cutting board
Measuring cups
Oven

Method

Step 1: Prep the Filling

In a bowl, combine:
cheddar cheese
diced ham
garlic powder
onion powder
parsley
smoked paprika (optional)
Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out your pizza or crescent dough into a rectangle.
Cut into 24 equal squares.

Step 3: Stuff the Dough Balls

Place a small spoonful of cheese/ham mixture into each square.
Pinch the edges together tightly to form sealed balls.
Arrange the dough balls on the baking tray in a Christmas tree shape:
1 ball at the top
2 beneath
3 beneath that
continue until a wide base forms
add 2 dough balls at the bottom for the tree trunk

Step 4: Brush & Bake

Brush the entire tree lightly with softened butter.
Bake 15–18 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Brush warm tree with melted butter + Italian seasoning.
Sprinkle Parmesan over the top for a snowy effect.
Serve warm with dipping sauces.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: 3 days
Freezer: 2 months

Reheat at 325°F (165°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through.

🥄 Variations

Spinach & Cheese Christmas Trees: Mozzarella + spinach.

Pizza-Stuffed: Pepperoni + mozzarella + pizza sauce.

Breakfast Trees: Scrambled eggs + ham + cheddar.

Herb & Garlic Mozzarella: Stuff with mozzarella pearls + herbs.

Jalapeño Popper Trees: Cream cheese + cheddar + jalapeño.

Prosciutto & Swiss: A fancy, salty twist.

Bacon Cheddar: Replace ham with crispy bacon.

Pesto-Stuffed: Mozzarella + spoon of pesto.

Buffalo Chicken: Shredded chicken + hot sauce + mozzarella.

Sweet Version: Cream cheese + cranberry jam filling.

❓ 10 FAQs

What dough works best?
Pizza dough holds shape best, but crescent dough gives a softer texture.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes — assemble and refrigerate up to 6 hours before baking.

Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely — mozzarella, Swiss, Gruyère, or pepper jack all work.

Why did my dough balls open during baking?
Make sure they’re tightly sealed and placed seam-side down.

Can I make a larger tree?
Yes — double the dough and fillings.

Can I freeze before baking?
Yes — freeze stuffed balls on a tray, then bag them.

What dipping sauces work best?
Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or honey mustard.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pizza dough.

Can kids help?
Yes — stuffing and shaping the tree is kid-friendly.

Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes — just omit the ham or replace with veggies.

🏁 Conclusion

These Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees are festive, fun, and irresistibly savory — the perfect holiday appetizer that doubles as a beautiful edible centerpiece. With melty cheddar cheese, savory ham, soft buttery dough, and a touch of holiday flair, they’re guaranteed to become a new Christmas favorite in your home.

Serve them warm, pull them apart, dip, and enjoy the cozy flavors of the season.