Description
Enjoy these flaky ham and cheese pastries, featuring a golden puff pastry shell filled with savory diced ham and melted cheese. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, they are sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 200g (7 oz) of cooked ham, diced
- 150g (5 oz) of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite), grated
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives), chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients on the countertop.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced ham and grated cheese. If using Dijon mustard, add it now for a tangy flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the ham can be salty.
- If using fresh herbs, chop them finely and fold them into the mixture.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut the pastry into squares or rectangles, approximately 10cm x 10cm (4 inches x 4 inches).
- Place a generous spoonful of the ham and cheese filling in the center of each pastry square.
- Moisten the edges of the pastry with a little water to help seal.
- Fold the pastry over to create a triangle or rectangle and press the edges together firmly. Use a fork to crimp the edges if desired.
- Repeat with the remaining pastry squares and filling.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash.
- Brush the egg wash over the top of each pastry.
- Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Let the pastries cool for a few minutes on a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light lunch. Pair with a simple salad or pickles.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the filling with sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for a veggie twist.
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling.
- You can assemble and freeze the pastries before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes