Description
Crispy golden ham and cheese puff pastry delivers a delightful French-inspired appetizer that melts in your mouth. Flaky layers packed with savory ham and melted cheese create an irresistible bite you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3/4 pound ham, cut into small cubes
Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pastry and Egg Wash:
- 2 puff pastry sheets
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Gently unfold puff pastry and allow to soften at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a standard baking sheet.
- Carefully spread out first pastry sheet on prepared baking surface, ensuring smooth placement.
- Distribute ham slices evenly across pastry, maintaining a clean 1-inch perimeter around edges.
- Sprinkle cheese uniformly over ham layer, creating consistent coverage.
- Whisk egg with water to create a glossy, smooth egg wash mixture.
- Delicately brush pastry edges with egg wash, creating a seal for adhesion.
- Carefully position second pastry sheet atop the first, gently pressing edges to secure.
- Use a sharp knife to create 3-4 small diagonal vents across top pastry for steam release.
- Apply remaining egg wash over entire pastry surface for golden, glossy finish.
- Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes until pastry turns rich, amber brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest 5-7 minutes before slicing into elegant rectangular portions.
- Serve warm for optimal flavor and crisp texture.
Notes
- Customize cheese selection by mixing different varieties like sharp cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère for complex flavor profiles.
- Substitute ham with turkey, chicken, or vegetarian protein alternatives for dietary flexibility.
- Use gluten-free puff pastry to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary between cheese and ham layers to enhance overall taste complexity.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg