Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry – Step right into my kitchen, for another adventure! Today I have a mouthwatering treat that will satisfy your cravings on any occasion. Our Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry. This recipe brings together the flavors of melted cheddar cheese and succulent ham all enveloped in a flaky puff pastry. It’s a dish that is sure to steal the spotlight at your table whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or simply seeking solace in a comforting meal.
I can still vividly recall the first time I prepared this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry. It was a chilly evening filled with air. I longed for something warm and cozy. As the aroma wafted through the kitchen, my husband couldn’t resist sneaking a peek over my shoulder while our little one was equally captivated. The moment they took their bite their faces lit up with delight. It became an instant sensation! Since then this dish has held a place in our hearts as a cherished family favorite – ideal for those cozy evenings or when we need a quick yet satisfying meal.
What makes this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry truly special?
What sets this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry apart? Well, firstly it’s incredibly simple to prepare using a handful of ingredients. Secondly, its versatility knows no bounds – whether served as the star of your course or, as an irresistible party snack or even enjoyed as a lunch option. Finally, when you bring together the richness of cheese and the savory goodness of ham encased in a puff pastry it results in a delightful harmony of tastes and textures that is guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
What You Need To Make This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Recipe?
Puff Pastry Sheets: These delightful treats steal the spotlight! Opt for top-notch puff pastry to achieve that buttery texture. It’s, like a blanket that wraps around our mouthwatering fillings. Remember, the magic begins when they thaw so handle them with love and care.
Ham: We’re not just talking about any ham we’re talking about the heart and soul of our pastry. Choose a quality, ham and cut it into small cubes. Each cube is a burst of goodness that harmonizes perfectly with our ingredients. Consider it like a comforting embrace, in every bite.
Cheddar Cheese: Ahh, the cheese! Opt for a cheddar to add a tangy kick. When shredded and melted it transforms into a gooey river of happiness beautifully blending with the ham. It’s not merely cheese; it’s the thread that brings our pastry together.
Egg Wash (Egg + Water): This is our stroke of beauty. Simply beat an egg with a tablespoon of water to create a glaze. It’s not an egg wash; it’s the finishing touch that gives our pastry that sun-kissed appearance and delightful crispy edge.
Steps To Make Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry:
Step 1: Let’s get baking! First, let your puff pastry sheets come to life as they defrost. Meanwhile, fire up your oven to 400°F, a warm embrace waiting for our pastry.
Step 2: On a greased baking sheet, lay out one pastry sheet, imagining it as a canvas for our ham and cheese masterpiece. Gently layer on the ham, followed by a sprinkle of cheese, leaving a little pastry border for sealing our creation.
Step 3: Next, whip up our egg wash – it’s like painting the edges of our pastry with love. Carefully place the second pastry sheet on top, and tenderly press the edges. It’s like tucking in the flavors for a warm bake. Make a few slits on top, a final brush of egg wash for that beautiful golden hue, and into the oven it goes.
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Step 4: In 20 minutes, you’ll witness the magic – a golden, flaky, irresistible pastry. Let it rest, then slice into pieces of joy.
Tip:
To add a gourmet touch to your Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry you might want to try a technique called layering. Instead of sprinkling the ham and cheese on top of the pastry, you can create alternating layers. Begin with a layer of ham then add a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat this process. By doing this you’ll create a blend of flavors and textures, in every bite.
The key is to distribute the ingredients so that each slice has a combination of meaty ham and creamy melted cheese. This not only enhances the taste. Also gives the pastry an appealing layered appearance when it’s cut into. It’s a simple twist that takes this classic dish from home-style cooking to high-end cuisine!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Certainly! While the recipe suggests using cheddar, for its tangy flavor don’t hesitate to get creative with types of cheese. Gruyère, Swiss or mozzarella can serve as alternatives. Each cheese adds its taste and texture allowing you to personalize the pastry according to your preferences.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian friendly you have options. Instead of ham consider using a medley of vegetables like spinach, mushrooms or bell peppers. For a gourmet touch artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes could be substituted. Just ensure that the vegetables are not overly moist to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
Can I prepare the puff pastry ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can conveniently prepare the puff pastry in advance. Simply assemble it with the ham and cheese then tightly wrap it with plastic and refrigerate. It’s best to do this no more than a few hours ahead of time to maintain crispness. When you’re ready to bake it just brush on some egg wash. Pop it in the oven. This makes it ideal, for entertaining or whipping up a meal.
Note: You can use either sliced ham or diced ham for this recipe, depending on your preference. Sliced ham will give you larger, more substantial pieces, while diced ham will be evenly distributed throughout the pastry for a more consistent bite. Both options work wonderfully, so feel free to choose the one that best suits your texture preference!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry
Ingredients
- 2 puff pastry sheets
- 3/4 pound ham cut into small cubes
- 1 c shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
Instructions
- Allow the puff pastry sheets to thaw naturally at room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Take out one puff pastry sheet. Place it on a greased baking sheet.
- Evenly spread the ham on the pastry followed by a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Leave an inch of space along the edges.
- Create an egg wash by beating an egg with a tablespoon of water.
- Use a brush to apply the egg wash, along the edges of the pastry.
- Take the puff pastry sheet. Carefully position it over the ham and cheese. Press down on the edges to seal them together.
- Make cuts on top of the pastry for ventilation purposes brush it with any remaining egg wash.
- Place it in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes until you achieve a golden brown color, on top of the pastry.
- Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into eight pieces. Serve while still warm.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
2 Responses
This looks delicious and I’m going to make it for lunch today, but the picture shows sliced ham and the instructions say diced. Does it make a difference?
For your Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry recipe, sliced ham and diced ham can both work, but they will slightly alter the texture. Using sliced ham will give you larger pieces with a more substantial bite, while diced ham will be more evenly distributed, giving a more consistent flavor throughout the pastry.
If you prefer a more uniform texture and easier bite-sized pieces, diced ham is the way to go. But if you like larger chunks of ham in each bite, feel free to use sliced ham, cutting it into smaller pieces. It won’t affect the overall taste, just the texture!