Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Recipe

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry is the ultimate comfort food snack that’s easy to make yet impressive enough for any occasion. With its flaky, buttery crust and a savory, gooey filling, it’s a dish that combines classic ingredients into a satisfying treat. Whether you’re looking for a delicious appetizer, a quick lunch, or a snack to enjoy with your favorite drink, this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Puff pastry is a versatile ingredient, perfect for both sweet and savory recipes, and here, we pair it with ham and cheese for a filling and flavorful meal. The result is golden, crispy pockets that melt in your mouth, with the perfect balance of salty ham and creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese. Let’s dive into how to make this easy-to-follow recipe, which can be customized to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this a recipe anyone can try.
• Versatile: You can fill these with your choice of ham and cheese, or even swap out ingredients for variations.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a quick lunch, or packing a snack for a picnic, these puff pastries will be a crowd-pleaser.
• Golden and Flaky: Puff pastry provides that satisfying crunch with a buttery, crispy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Puff Pastry

1. Thaw the Puff Pastry: If you’re using frozen puff pastry, make sure it’s thawed before starting. Lay it out on the counter for about 30 minutes. The puff pastry should be cold but not frozen when working with it.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pastries from sticking and to ensure even baking.
3. Roll Out the Pastry (Optional): If your puff pastry sheets are too thick, use a rolling pin to gently roll them out on a floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch, though it’s not necessary to roll it out too thin.
4. Cut into Squares or Rectangles: Cut each sheet of puff pastry into even squares or rectangles. You can make them as large or small as you like, but typically 4×4-inch squares work well for this recipe.

Step 2: Preparing the Ham and Cheese Filling

1. Prepare the Ham: Cut your deli ham into strips or small pieces. The size will depend on the dimensions of your puff pastry squares. If you prefer larger pieces, feel free to leave the ham slices whole and fold them neatly into the pastry.
2. Prepare the Cheese: Shred your cheese of choice. Mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar all work beautifully for this recipe, but you can mix different cheeses to create your own unique flavor. A combination of mozzarella for meltiness and cheddar for sharpness works especially well.
3. Flavor the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the Dijon mustard, honey mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together to add a little extra flavor to the filling. If you like a more traditional flavor, you can skip the mustard and go for a simple ham-and-cheese filling.

Step 3: Assembling the Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry

1. Place the Ham and Cheese: Lay your puff pastry squares or rectangles on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the shredded cheese onto the center of each piece of pastry.
2. Add the Ham: Layer a few strips or pieces of ham over the cheese, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed. You don’t want to overfill, as the pastry needs to be able to fold over and seal.
3. Optional Mustard Layer: If you’re using mustard, spread a small dollop of Dijon or honey mustard on top of the ham for added tang and flavor.
4. Fold the Pastry: Gently fold the pastry over the filling to form a pocket or a turnover shape. Use a fork or your fingers to press the edges together to seal them. Make sure the edges are well sealed, or the cheese may leak out during baking.

Step 4: Preparing for Baking

1. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg and use a pastry brush to lightly brush the top of each pastry. This will give the pastries a beautiful golden, shiny finish when they bake.
2. Optional: Add Olive Oil: For extra crispy, golden crusts, you can brush the pastries with olive oil after applying the egg wash.
3. Poke a Hole: Use a fork to make a small hole on the top of each pastry. This will allow steam to escape as the puff pastry bakes, helping it rise perfectly without bursting.

Step 5: Baking the Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry

1. Bake: Place the assembled pastries in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up. The pastry should be crispy and the cheese should be melted inside.
2. Monitor: Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-brown. Every oven is different, so baking time may vary slightly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let Cool for a Few Minutes: After removing the puff pastry from the oven, let them sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. This helps the cheese set and makes them easier to handle.
2. Serve with Dipping Sauce: If you’d like a dipping sauce, mix together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard with a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also serve these pastries with a simple marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a sweet chili dipping sauce for a more adventurous flavor.
3. Enjoy: Serve the pastries warm and watch them disappear quickly!

Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry

1. Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pack in more ham and cheese, overfilling the puff pastry can cause it to burst open during baking. Stick to a modest amount of filling for best results.
2. Frozen Puff Pastry Works Best: Fresh puff pastry tends to be less flaky, so it’s best to use frozen puff pastry that has been thawed. It holds its shape better and creates the signature crispy layers.
3. Keep the Pastry Cold: Puff pastry works best when it’s cold, so after you cut and fill it, return it to the fridge to chill for 10-15 minutes before baking if you have time. This helps maintain the flakiness of the dough.
4. Season the Cheese: You can elevate the flavor by seasoning the cheese with a pinch of garlic powder, cayenne, or your favorite herbs. It adds a little extra depth to the filling.
5. Swap the Ham: If you prefer turkey, roast beef, or even a vegetarian version, feel free to swap out the ham for a different filling of your choice.

Variations

1. Add Vegetables: Throw in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions for added flavor and texture.
2. Cheese Variations: Mix different cheeses for a unique twist—try Gruyère for a nutty flavor or provolone for a smooth melt.
3. Add Spices: Spice it up by adding a pinch of chili flakes, smoked paprika, or even ground mustard in the filling.
4. Sweet and Savory: Try adding a spoonful of fig jam or cranberry sauce to balance the savory flavors of the ham and cheese with a touch of sweetness.

Conclusion

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry is a delectable, flaky, and comforting snack or meal that combines the richness of cheese with the savory flavors of ham, all wrapped in a perfectly crispy, golden pastry. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for any occasion, from a quick breakfast or lunch to an elegant appetizer for parties. The best part? You can easily customize the filling and dipping sauce to suit your taste.

Make a batch today and enjoy the perfect combination of textures and flavors in every bite!

Yield: 8

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Recipe

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Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry is the ultimate comfort food snack that’s easy to make yet impressive enough for any occasion. With its flaky, buttery crust and a savory, gooey filling, it’s a dish that combines classic ingredients into a satisfying treat. Whether you're looking for a delicious appetizer, a quick lunch, or a snack to enjoy with your favorite drink, this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 slices of deli ham
• 8 slices of Swiss cheese (or cheese of your choice)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out gently to smooth out the creases, if needed.

2. Assemble the Ham and Cheese Filling

1. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side of the puff pastry (optional, but adds a nice tangy flavor).
2. Lay 4 slices of ham evenly across the pastry, leaving a small border along the edges.
3. Place 4 slices of cheese on top of the ham. You can overlap slightly if necessary.

3. Fold the Puff Pastry

1. Carefully fold the puff pastry over the ham and cheese filling to create a rectangle or square, depending on the shape of your pastry sheet. Press the edges to seal.
2. If you'd like, you can trim any excess pastry and cut it into individual portions for easier serving.

4. Apply the Egg Wash

1. In a small bowl, beat the egg.
2. Brush the egg wash over the top of the folded pastry to give it a golden, glossy finish when baked.

5. Bake

1. Transfer the prepared puff pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve

1. Once baked, remove the puff pastry from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
2. Slice into individual portions and serve hot. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired.

Notes

• Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or provolone for varied flavors.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the ham and cheese puff pastry in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.