Ham & Cranberry Pull-Apart Christmas Tree

Name: Ham & Cranberry Pull-Apart Christmas Tree
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 75 grams cream cheese, at room temperature; 1/3 cup cranberry sauce; 150 grams shaved ham off the bone, finely chopped; 400 grams puff pastry, defrosted, halved; 4 tablespoons plain flour; 1 egg, lightly beaten

Want a uniquely NZ Christmas recipe that could become as iconic as the great kiwi pav?

Recipe Tip Use a ruler to slice the horizontal branches, as this will help you to keep them straight and even.

Photo of Ham & Cranberry Pull-Apart Christmas Tree

Method

Step 1 of 7
Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Sprinkle a fine dusting of flour onto the bench.
Step 2 of 7
Roll the first portion of pastry into a 28 x 34cm rectangle. Transfer to a greased baking tray. Using our picture as a guide, score a large triangular Christmas tree onto the pastry with the tip of a knife, going all the way to the edges at the widest part. Allow a couple of centimetres at the bottom for the trunk. Cut out the shape, reserving the pastry trimmings.
Step 3 of 7
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese until soft and smooth, then spread over the pastry tree. Stir cranberry sauce to loosen, then spread over cream cheese. Sprinkle over the chopped ham.
Step 4 of 7
Roll the second portion of pastry into the same size as the first. Carefully place over the top of the tree. Press gently all the way around so you can find the edges of the tree underneath and cut to shape. Reserve pastry trimmings.
Step 5 of 7
Score a tree trunk up the middle with a knife tip, tapering near the top. Slice 10-12 horizontal 'branches' each side.
Step 6 of 7
Twist each branch upwards once or twice and press onto the tray to secure. Using cutters or your hands, make decorations from the pastry trimmings, such as stars, twisted strands and balls. Stick in place with a dab of water, then brush all surfaces with egg.
Step 7 of 7
Bake for 25 minutes, or until risen and golden.

Ingredients

75 grams cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup cranberry sauce
150 grams shaved ham off the bone, finely chopped
400 grams puff pastry, defrosted, halved
4 tablespoons plain flour
1 egg, lightly beaten

75 grams cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup cranberry sauce
150 grams shaved ham off the bone, finely chopped
400 grams puff pastry, defrosted, halved
4 tablespoons plain flour
1 egg, lightly beaten

Method

Step 1 of 7
Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Sprinkle a fine dusting of flour onto the bench.
Step 2 of 7
Roll the first portion of pastry into a 28 x 34cm rectangle. Transfer to a greased baking tray. Using our picture as a guide, score a large triangular Christmas tree onto the pastry with the tip of a knife, going all the way to the edges at the widest part. Allow a couple of centimetres at the bottom for the trunk. Cut out the shape, reserving the pastry trimmings.
Step 3 of 7
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese until soft and smooth, then spread over the pastry tree. Stir cranberry sauce to loosen, then spread over cream cheese. Sprinkle over the chopped ham.
Step 4 of 7
Roll the second portion of pastry into the same size as the first. Carefully place over the top of the tree. Press gently all the way around so you can find the edges of the tree underneath and cut to shape. Reserve pastry trimmings.
Step 5 of 7
Score a tree trunk up the middle with a knife tip, tapering near the top. Slice 10-12 horizontal 'branches' each side.
Step 6 of 7
Twist each branch upwards once or twice and press onto the tray to secure. Using cutters or your hands, make decorations from the pastry trimmings, such as stars, twisted strands and balls. Stick in place with a dab of water, then brush all surfaces with egg.
Step 7 of 7
Bake for 25 minutes, or until risen and golden.

Nutrition per serving

1725 Kilojoules

Protein9 grams

Fat29 grams

Carbs30 grams

Sugars7 grams

Dietary and nutritional info supplied by NZ Nutrition Foundation

Method

Step 1 of 7
Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Sprinkle a fine dusting of flour onto the bench.
Step 2 of 7
Roll the first portion of pastry into a 28 x 34cm rectangle. Transfer to a greased baking tray. Using our picture as a guide, score a large triangular Christmas tree onto the pastry with the tip of a knife, going all the way to the edges at the widest part. Allow a couple of centimetres at the bottom for the trunk. Cut out the shape, reserving the pastry trimmings.
Step 3 of 7
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese until soft and smooth, then spread over the pastry tree. Stir cranberry sauce to loosen, then spread over cream cheese. Sprinkle over the chopped ham.
Step 4 of 7
Roll the second portion of pastry into the same size as the first. Carefully place over the top of the tree. Press gently all the way around so you can find the edges of the tree underneath and cut to shape. Reserve pastry trimmings.
Step 5 of 7
Score a tree trunk up the middle with a knife tip, tapering near the top. Slice 10-12 horizontal 'branches' each side.
Step 6 of 7
Twist each branch upwards once or twice and press onto the tray to secure. Using cutters or your hands, make decorations from the pastry trimmings, such as stars, twisted strands and balls. Stick in place with a dab of water, then brush all surfaces with egg.
Step 7 of 7
Bake for 25 minutes, or until risen and golden.

More recipes like this

Appetisers Pork & Ham Cooking with Kids Pantry Staples 5 Ingredients or Less