Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry

Flaky puff pastry, melty cheddar, and savory ham—this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry recipe is perfect for brunch, snacks, or lazy dinners.

this Recipe

So here’s the thing: I was never really a puff pastry person. You know those people who just always have fancy freezer staples like puff pastry ready to go? Yeah… that wasn’t me. Until I made this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry on a whim one Sunday morning and ended up borderline obsessed.

It was supposed to be a lazy brunch. The kind where you roll out of bed, throw together whatever’s left in the fridge, and hope nobody asks for anything too complicated. I had ham (leftover from a party tray, not even the good kind), a sad bag of shredded cheddar, and one box of puff pastry I’d bought for a recipe I never made. So I did what any sleep-deprived, hangry person would do—slapped it all together and shoved it in the oven.

And the result? It looked like I’d gone to culinary school. It smelled like heaven. And it tasted like I actually had my life together. Wild, right?

Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Recipe?

What makes this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry so good? I could say it’s the flaky crust or the salty-sweet combo of ham and cheddar. But really? I think it’s the fact that you barely have to think. There’s no measuring flour or separating eggs. Just roll, layer, bake, and pretend you’re in Paris.

It’s the kind of recipe that feels impressive but asks very little of you. Which, let’s be honest, is exactly what most of us need 90% of the time. It also works for everything—quick brunch, lazy dinner, or even a snack to sneak while hiding in the kitchen from your own family. (What? Just me?)

Ingredient Notes:

Here’s what I used—but real talk, this recipe is as flexible as your weekend plans.

• 2 puff pastry sheets: I used the store brand. Thawed on the counter while I stared at them wondering if this would work. Spoiler: it did.

• ¾ pound ham, chopped: I’ve used leftover spiral ham, deli slices, even cubed ham from a package. It all works.

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives it that punch. But honestly? Use what you have. I’ve done this with Swiss, mozzarella, and even Colby Jack once when I was in a pinch.

• 1 egg + 1 tbsp water: That golden, glossy finish? It’s all from this quick egg wash. Don’t skip it unless you really can’t be bothered.

Optional: If you’re feeling fancy, a swipe of Dijon mustard under the ham makes it taste like you actually planned ahead.

How To Make Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry?

Step 1: Let the puff pastry thaw.
Don’t rush it. I’ve microwaved it before and, well, let’s just say it wasn’t flaky anymore. Just leave it on the counter for 30–40 minutes while you do literally anything else.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
I always forget this until I’m mid-assembly. Don’t be like me. Get that oven going.

Step 3: Build your masterpiece.
Lay one pastry sheet on a baking tray. Top it with the chopped ham and a glorious pile of cheese. Leave about an inch around the edge so it doesn’t spill out during baking. (Okay, it still might. But that’s the good kind of mess.)

Step 4: Seal it up.
Brush the edges with your egg wash. Then place the second puff pastry sheet on top like a lid. Press around the edges. I use a fork, mostly because it looks cute. Cut a few slits in the top so it doesn’t turn into a pastry balloon.

Step 5: Bake.
About 20 minutes should do it. It’ll puff up, turn golden, and make your kitchen smell like a French bakery that decided to lean into comfort food.

Step 6: Cool (kind of) and serve.
Let it rest for a few minutes or burn your mouth like I always do. Slice it into squares. Serve it on a cute plate or just eat it straight from the pan—no judgment here.

Storage Options:

If by some miracle there’s anything left, pop it in a container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for 2–3 days. I like reheating it in the oven or air fryer so it gets crispy again, but a microwave works too in a pinch (just a little softer).

Oh, and you can freeze it. Wrap individual pieces in foil, toss ’em in a zip-top bag, and reheat straight from frozen when the craving hits. Which it will.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Cheese swaps: Try Swiss for that classic combo or pepper jack if you want a little heat. I once used a weird leftover cheese blend, and it was still good.

• Add-ins: Caramelized onions? Yes please. Spinach or mushrooms? Also yes.

• Dijon mustard swipe: I know I said it already but it really adds that extra something.

• Turn it into hand pies: Cut smaller squares and fold them into little triangles. Just reduce the bake time a bit.

Basically? If you’ve got puff pastry and a fridge full of odds and ends, you’ve got options.

What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry?

Pair it with…

• A crisp salad – something citrusy or vinaigrette-y cuts the richness.

• Soup – tomato or potato leek works perfectly.

• Coffee or mimosas – depending on the time of day (or your mood).

• A second piece. Just saying.

This puff pastry is the main event, but it plays well with others.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to use puff pastry?
I mean… it’s kind of the whole point. But in a desperate moment, crescent dough or even pizza dough might work. Just don’t expect that same flaky magic.

Can I prep it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it, cover it with plastic wrap, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just wait to do the egg wash until right before it goes in the oven.

What if the edges don’t seal?
Been there. Still tastes amazing. Just call it “rustic.”

This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry might look like something you grabbed from a bakery case, but it’s honestly one of the easiest things I’ve ever made. It’s cozy. It’s golden. It’s cheesy. And it somehow makes you feel like you’ve got it all together, even if you don’t.

Try it next time you’ve got brunch plans—or no plans at all. And hey, if you put your own twist on it, I wanna hear about it. Seriously. Tag me, DM me, or just shout it into the void of the internet.

I’ll be here, eating another square, probably standing over the sink. Because that’s real life.

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

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Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Indulge yourself in the captivating world of our Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry, a delight that effortlessly combines charm with gourmet sophistication. Picture taking a bite into layers of buttery, flaky puff pastry each fold revealing a medley of savory ham and creamy melted cheddar cheese. This recipe is a blend of textures and flavors offering the comforting familiarity of cooking with an added touch of refined elegance. It's more than a dish; it's a celebration of ingredients coming together to create an unforgettable experience – perfect for cozy family dinners or as the star attraction, at your next social gathering.

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8 Servings

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

 

1. Allow the puff pastry sheets to thaw naturally at room temperature.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Take out one puff pastry sheet. Place it on a greased baking sheet.
4. Evenly spread the ham on the pastry followed by a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Leave an inch of space along the edges.
5. Create an egg wash by beating an egg with a tablespoon of water.
6. Use a brush to apply the egg wash, along the edges of the pastry.
7. Take the puff pastry sheet. Carefully position it over the ham and cheese. Press down on the edges to seal them together.
8. Make cuts on top of the pastry for ventilation purposes brush it with any remaining egg wash.
9. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes until you achieve a golden brown color, on top of the pastry.
10. Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into eight pieces. Serve while still warm.

Notes

To make this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry into a gluten-free treat the key is to choose the right puff pastry. Fortunately, the culinary world has embraced gluten-free cooking. There are now several brands that offer high-quality gluten-free puff pastry sheets. These sheets are specially made to replicate the flakiness and texture of pastry ensuring that you won't miss out on the experience.

When shopping for your puff pastry make sure to check the labels, for any warnings about cross-contamination if you're highly sensitive to gluten. Also take a moment to ensure that the ham and cheese you choose are also gluten-free because some processed meats and cheeses may contain additives with gluten.

In the kitchen handle the gluten-free pastry with as much care and attention as you would its traditional counterpart. Keep in mind that gluten-free pastry may behave differently so be gentle when rolling or unfolding it to avoid tearing. With these substitutions, you can savor the heavenly combination of flaky pastry, savory ham and melted cheese in a version that's just as satisfying, as the original but free of gluten.

Audrey

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Bitty

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!

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