Description
Delightful Cheese and Ham Pastry weaves comfort and flavor into a quick culinary escape. Flaky golden layers embrace savory ham and melted cheese, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of homemade goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6–8 slices ham (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup (120 ml) shredded cheddar cheese (or Swiss/Gruyere)
Binding/Wash Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Flavor/Garnish Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Carefully unfold the delicate puff pastry on a clean, lightly floured surface, preparing to transform it into a delectable ham and cheese delight.
- Slice the pastry into symmetrical geometric shapes, ensuring each piece will cradle a savory filling of succulent ham and melting cheese.
- If desired, apply a whisper-thin layer of tangy Dijon mustard across the pastry surface, creating a flavor foundation that will elevate the entire pastry.
- Drape a tender slice of ham over each pastry square, allowing it to nestle comfortably against the buttery dough.
- Generously sprinkle shredded or grated cheese over the ham, ensuring an even distribution that promises a gooey, satisfying interior.
- Gently fold the pastry edges, pressing and crimping with a fork to create a secure seal that will prevent the delicious filling from escaping during baking.
- Whisk an egg with a splash of water, then delicately brush the pastry surfaces, creating a golden, glossy exterior that will transform during baking.
- For an optional flourish, dust the pastries with sesame or poppy seeds, adding a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
- Position the prepared pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing sufficient space between each for even heat circulation.
- Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C), allowing the pastries to bake until they achieve a rich, burnished golden-brown color and achieve a perfectly flaky texture.
- Remove from the oven and let the pastries rest momentarily, allowing the molten cheese to settle and the delicate layers to stabilize.
- Serve warm, accompanied by a zesty honey mustard or your preferred dipping sauce, inviting guests to savor these irresistible ham and cheese parcels.
Notes
- Swap ham with turkey or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option that keeps the pastry’s delightful crunch and flavor profile.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, creamy goat cheese, or smoky gruyère to elevate the taste complexity.
- Use gluten-free puff pastry to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising the delicate, buttery texture.
- Prepare pastries ahead of time and refrigerate before baking to ensure a crisp, perfectly golden exterior when cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg