These ham and cheese puff pastries are the perfect appetizer for any occasion! Golden puff pastries are filled with gooey cheese, savory ham, and a hint of Dijon mustard.
If you love ham and cheese, try my Ham and Cheese Croissant Sandwiches!
HAM AND CHEES PUFF PASTRY
If you need a quick and easy appetizer, this ham and cheese pastry recipe is for you! Buttery, golden pastries wrapped around melty gruyere cheese and savory ham. The perfect and easy appetizer, snack, or even breakfast. This ham and cheese puff pastry recipe is effortless, elegant and always the first to disappear.
WHAT YOU NEED-
- Puff Pastry– Be sure to use good quality puff pastry, Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry is my go-to!
- Ham– Either leftover baked ham or deli ham can be used. I love getting the smoked honey ham from the deli, sliced thin!
- Cheese– You want to use either gruyere cheese, Swiss cheese, gouda cheese or even Havarti cheese. These cheeses go so well with ham! You can also just use mozzarella or Colby jack if that’s all you have on hand.
- Dijon Mustard– Adding a little bit of Dijon mustard to the centers gives this appetizer a little tang! Use either Dijon mustard, homemade honey mustard sauce, or spicy Dijon mustard.
- Egg Wash– For the pastries to be shiny gold, you want to be sure to brush them in an egg wash! You just need a whisked egg for the egg wash.
- Topping– Top these ham and cheese puff pastries with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or even poppy seeds for a beautiful finishing touch. You can also just leave them plain.
HOW TO MAKE HAM AND CHEESE PUFF PASTRIES
Not only is this appetizer delicious, but it is also so effortless to make!
- Thaw the puff pastry sheets, remove them from the freezer about 30-60 minutes before making the recipe.
- Preheat the oven and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unwrap the puff pastry sheets and with a pizza cutter or a knife, cut each sheet into 6 rectangles. (You will have a total of 12 pastries.)
- With a pastry brush, egg wash the edges of a pastry rectangle. Spread some Dijon mustard in the center of the rectangle and then top with cheese and ham. (Be sure to leave the corners of the triangles empty.)
- Take one corner and fold over the center and take the other corner and fold over to seal the filling. Pinch down a bit to seal.
- Repeat the assembly with all the pastries and transfer them to the lined baking sheet. (Do NOT overcrowd the pan, if necessary, divide between two baking sheets.)
- Brush the ham and cheese pastries with the egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppyseeds. (You can also leave them plain.)
- Bake until the pastries are golden and cheese is melty.
- Remove from the oven and cool for a couple minutes.
- Serve warm with desired sides. (Serve with ketchup, homemade Dijon mustard, spicy honey mustard, etc.)
PASTRY VARIATIONS
You can have fun with the stuffing for these pastries! Here are some other variations that you need to try:
- Hot Honey Prosciutto– There is no better combination than hot honey, gooey cheese and prosciutto! Swap the ham for prosciutto and drizzle the pastries with hot honey after baking.
- Asparagus– For a more elegant look, add 1-2 asparagus in the center. Make it with either ham or prosciutto. This also makes for a great side to add for your brunch parties!
- Turkey & Cheese– Swap the ham out for deli turkey meat. If you prefer turkey over ham, you will love this appetizer with turkey!
- Breakfast Style– Add some scrambled eggs and swap for bacon for breakfast style! You can also make my puff pastry breakfast hot pockets instead!
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE:
No! You can totally swap the ham for turkey or prosciutto.
You want to be sure to egg wash the corners, that acts as a “glue” and helps the pastry stay down. For extra security you can pinch down the final edge also.
Yes, you can swap the sliced cheese for shredded cheese.
No, you can totally skip the Dijon mustard layer. You can swap for honey mustard, mayo or just leave plain.
Yes! Prepare the pastries, just don’t brush them with egg wash. Cover the baking sheet and store it in the fridge for up to overnight. Egg wash then bake!
Once the puff pastries are cooled, store them in an airtight container or bag in the fridge for 3-4 days.
You can reheat the pastries in the microwave, oven, air fryer, or toaster oven. To achieve the original crunch, I recommend reheating in the air fryer or oven!
Yes! Once the pastries are baked and cooled, transfer to a freezer safe bag and freeze for 3-4 months. Thaw in the microwave or overnight and reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp up again.
OTHER APPETIZER RECIPES-
Looking for more delicious and easy appetizer ideas? Try these other easy classics!
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer
Ingredients
- 17.3 oz thawed puff pastry 2 sheets
- 10 oz sliced deli ham
- 8 oz gruyere cheese slices
- 1/3 cup dijon mustard optional
- 1 large egg whisked
- Everything bagel seasoning optional
Instructions
- Remove the puff pastry sheets from the package and thaw. (The sheets need to thaw before making these pastries.)
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet and with a knife or pizza cutter, divide into 6 rectangles. Repeat with the second sheet. (If you want squares, roll out the sheet a little to get a square before cutting it into 6 squares.)
- With a pastry brush, brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash and spread some Dijon mustard to the center of each triangle.
- Add a piece of cheese and folded slice of ham to the center of the pastry, over the Dijon mustard.
- Lift one corner of the pastry triangle and fold into the center. Repeat with the other side, sealing the filling in the center.
- Repeat with all the puff pastry sheets. Carefully transfer the pastries onto the lined baking sheet. (Do not overcrowd, divide between 2 baking sheets if needed.)
- With a pastry brush, brush the tops of the puff pastries with the egg wash then sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds.
- Bake at 425°F for 18-22 minutes, until the puff pastries are golden and crispy and the cheese has melted.
- Remove from the oven and cool for a couple minutes. Serve warm with desired dipping sauces.
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