Flaky Cheese Ham Pastry Recipe

Heavenly Cheese Ham Pastry Recipe: Flaky Bites of Joy!

Buttery layers of golden pastry embrace a savory cheese ham filling that melts in your mouth.

Crisp edges promise a delightful crunch with every bite.

Pastry enthusiasts and comfort food lovers will adore this simple yet elegant dish.

The combination of rich cheese and smoky ham creates a perfect balance of flavors.

Each flaky bite tells a story of culinary magic and home-cooked goodness.

Warm from the oven, these pastries invite you to savor a moment of pure deliciousness.

Prepare to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 9

Things Inside Easy Cheese Ham Pastry

For Base Ingredients:
  • Puff Pastry: Buttery, flaky foundation that creates crispy layers for delightful texture, choose all-butter variety for best flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment adding tangy depth, select smooth and robust French-style mustard for authentic taste.
For Protein and Cheese:
  • Ham: Savory meat providing rich flavor, opt for high-quality deli-sliced or leftover holiday ham.
  • Cheese: Melty ingredient creating gooey interior, select sharp cheddar or gruyère for maximum deliciousness.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Egg: Golden wash creating beautiful sheen and helping pastry seal, use fresh room-temperature egg.
  • Water: Helps egg wash blend smoothly, use cool tap water.
  • Sesame Seeds, Poppy Seeds: Optional crunchy garnish adding visual appeal and subtle nutty flavor, toast lightly before sprinkling for enhanced taste.
  • Honey Mustard: Optional dipping sauce bringing sweet-tangy complement, choose smooth commercial version or homemade blend.

Gear Needed For Easy Cheese Ham Pastry

  • Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for even baking and easy pastry placement.
  • Parchment paper: Non-stick surface to prevent pastries from sticking and simplify cleanup.
  • Rolling pin: Essential for smoothly rolling out puff pastry to desired thickness.
  • Pastry brush: Perfect for applying egg wash and creating a beautiful golden sheen.
  • Whisk: Quick tool for mixing egg wash thoroughly.
  • Fork: Handy for crimping pastry edges and creating a tight seal.
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter: Helps cut pastry into neat, even squares or rectangles.
  • Mixing bowl: Useful for preparing egg wash and combining ingredients.

How To Make Easy Cheese Ham Pastry

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Unroll your pastry and slice it into fun, bite-sized shapes that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

  • Create Flavor Magic

Smear a whisper of Dijon mustard across each pastry square if you’re feeling fancy. Layer on some juicy ham and sprinkle cheese like you’re an artist. Fold the pastry over into adorable little pockets, pinching the edges with a fork to seal in all that deliciousness.

  • Give Them a Golden Glow

Whip up a quick egg wash by mixing egg with a splash of water. Brush this magic potion over your pastries to make them shine. Toss on some sesame seeds for extra pizzazz if you’re in the mood.

  • Bake and Celebrate

Slide your pastries into the oven and let them transform for about 20 minutes. Watch for that gorgeous golden-brown color that screams “I’m delicious!” Pull them out, let them cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue, and get ready to devour these crispy, cheesy treasures.

Easy Cheese Ham Pastry Tips To Try

  • Pro Pastry Perfection: Brush egg wash gently for an even golden sheen that makes pastries shine.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace traditional puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry for sensitive diets without compromising taste.
  • Cheese Lover's Twist: Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère, cheddar, or goat cheese to elevate flavor profiles.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pastries ahead, refrigerate unbaked, and bake directly from cold for convenient entertaining or quick meals.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute ham with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for a delightful meat-free version.

Ways To Serve Easy Cheese Ham Pastry

  • Brunch Showstopper: Arrange these golden pastries on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs sprinkled around for an elegant presentation.
  • Picnic Perfect Platter: Pack these ham and cheese pastries in a portable container for outdoor meals, pairing them with a crisp green salad or light coleslaw for a complete lunch.
  • Cocktail Party Bite: Serve these mini pastries as delightful appetizers during gatherings, cutting them into smaller bite-sized pieces that guests can easily pick up and enjoy with a glass of white wine or sparkling champagne.
  • Breakfast Companion: Partner the pastries with a fresh fruit compote or a small side of scrambled eggs to create a satisfying morning meal that balances savory and sweet flavors.

Store And Prep Easy Cheese Ham Pastry

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pastries in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture, keeping them crisp for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual pastries in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, allowing storage up to 3 weeks without compromising flavor or texture.
  • Reheating Magic: Restore crispiness by warming pastries in a preheated oven at 350F for 8-10 minutes, avoiding microwave which can make them soggy.
  • Make-Ahead Wisdom: Prepare unbaked pastries up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator and baking just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor.
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Flaky Cheese Ham Pastry Recipe

Flaky Cheese Ham Pastry Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Savory easy cheese ham pastry delights with golden, flaky layers of buttery goodness. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend perfectly for a quick and satisfying meal you can enjoy anytime.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 68 slices ham (thinly sliced)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) shredded cheddar cheese (or Swiss/Gruyere)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pastry Preparation: Unfold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, smoothing out any creases to create a pristine canvas for the ham and cheese creation.
  2. Shaping and Seasoning: Slice pastry into uniform squares, optionally brushing with Dijon mustard to introduce a tangy flavor foundation that will complement the filling.
  3. Layering Flavors: Arrange ham slices on each pastry square, then generously sprinkle shredded cheese to ensure a rich, melting interior that promises indulgence.
  4. Sealing and Finishing: Fold pastry edges, crimping with a fork to create a secure seal, then brush with egg wash to guarantee a glossy, golden-brown exterior that will catch the eye.
  5. Optional Embellishment: Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds across the surface for added texture and visual intrigue, if desired.
  6. Baking Process: Transfer pastries to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them to allow even heat circulation, and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until achieving a burnished, flaky perfection.
  7. Serving Suggestion: Allow pastries to rest briefly after removing from the oven, then serve warm alongside honey mustard or preferred dipping sauce, inviting guests to savor these delectable ham and cheese parcels.

Notes

  • Pastry Handling Tip: Keep puff pastry chilled until just before use to maintain its delicate, flaky structure and prevent sticking or tearing during preparation.
  • Even Cooking Technique: Space pastries at least 1-2 inches apart on the baking sheet to ensure proper air circulation and uniform golden-brown coloration.
  • Flavor Enhancement Strategy: Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or Swiss to add depth and complexity to the basic ham and cheese combination.
  • Dietary Adaptation Method: Create gluten-free or vegetarian versions by substituting puff pastry with alternative doughs and replacing ham with roasted vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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