Savory Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Recipe
This Savory Puff Pastry recipe features a flaky, golden puff pastry filled with tangy mustard, delicate slices of ham, and rich aged cheese. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a satisfying snack, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and bakes to a beautiful crispy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- Flour, for rolling
Filling
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 6 thin slices of ham
- 1 cup grated aged cheese
Glaze
- 1 large egg yolk, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the puff pastry.
- Prepare the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet into a 10-inch square. If desired, trim the edges neatly with a knife for a clean shape.
- Add the filling: Brush the entire surface of the dough evenly with 2 tablespoons of mustard. Arrange the 6 thin ham slices on the bottom half of the dough, slightly overlapping but leaving a 3/4-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle 1 cup of grated aged cheese over the ham, again keeping the border clear for sealing.
- Fold and seal: Fold the top half of the dough over the filling and gently press the edges together with your fingers. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges securely to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
- Apply egg wash: Transfer the prepared pastry to a baking sheet. Brush the entire exposed surface generously with the beaten egg yolk to promote a shiny, golden crust.
- Bake the pastry: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 17-19 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and a rich golden brown color.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the pastry to cool for a few minutes before slicing into portions. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is cold before rolling to maintain its flakiness.
- You can substitute the ham with turkey or vegetarian deli slices for a different variation.
- Use any aged cheese like cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan for a sharp flavor.
- Do not skip the egg wash as it gives the pastry its appealing golden color.
- Let the pastry cool slightly to avoid burning your mouth and to allow the filling to set.
