Description
Golden, flaky puff pastry wrapped around savory ham and melted cheese, creating a crispy, irresistible treat. These handheld pastries are great for a quick lunch or party appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastries:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz (225g) cooked ham, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (optional, for brushing the pastry)
Instructions
If you are using store-bought puff pastry, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to ensure it doesn’t stick. You want the dough to be about 1/8 inch thick. If you’re using homemade puff pastry, ensure it’s chilled and ready for rolling out.
Once the puff pastry is rolled out, cut it into squares or rectangles—about 4 inches by 4 inches, depending on how large you want your pastries. You should have enough dough to make 8-10 pastries.
Lay a slice or two of ham in the center of each pastry square or rectangle. The ham should cover most of the surface but leave a little room at the edges to ensure that the pastry folds properly. Top the ham with a generous amount of shredded cheese, ensuring even coverage. If you’re using Dijon mustard, spread a thin layer on the pastry before adding the ham and cheese for an extra kick of flavor.
Carefully fold the pastry over the filling to form a pocket or triangle, depending on your preference. You can also fold the edges over like an envelope, making sure the seams are sealed tightly to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash over the top of each pastry. This will give them a golden, shiny finish once they bake.
For an extra crispy texture and added flavor, you can lightly brush the top of each pastry with melted butter or olive oil. This step is optional but recommended for an even more indulgent result.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the prepared pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Space them out evenly, leaving some room for the puff pastry to expand. Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. The puff pastry should have risen, and the cheese inside should be melted.
Once the pastries are out of the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. The crispy exterior and gooey interior will make them irresistible. You can serve them warm as an appetizer, snack, or meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Fat: 15-18g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Protein: 8-10g