These Ham Puffs are made with cheddar cheese, butter, diced ham, Worcestershire sauce, and flour—a crispy, cheesy, buttery bite-sized snack that’s dangerously addictive!
You know those recipes that start off as a “let’s just throw this together and see what happens” kind of thing? That’s exactly how Ham Puffs entered my life.
It was one of those post-holiday fridge situations—leftover ham, a block of cheddar I definitely didn’t need to buy, and just enough butter to make something indulgent. I wasn’t expecting much, just hoping for a decent snack. But then I took them out of the oven, golden and crisp, smelling like a bakery exploded in my kitchen.
I popped one in my mouth, and whoa. The buttery crunch, the sharp cheddar, the salty bits of ham—it was like a ham and cheese sandwich decided to become a flaky, crispy, bite-sized snack. And then? My family smelled them.
Within five minutes, half the batch was gone. I barely turned around before I saw someone sneaking another one off the baking sheet. The rest disappeared shortly after, and I was left literally fighting for the last one.
Lesson learned: Always make extra.
Why You’ll Love This Ham Puffs Recipe?
- Ridiculously easy. Five ingredients. One bowl. No fancy steps.
- The perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and buttery. Think savory cheese puff meets ham biscuit.
- You probably have everything you need in your kitchen right now. No emergency grocery store runs.
- They disappear fast. I don’t say this lightly: make a double batch.
- Perfect for parties, game nights, or random snack cravings. These work for literally any occasion.
Ingredient Notes:
This recipe keeps it simple with just five ingredients, but each one plays a big role in making these Ham Puffs amazing.
- Butter (½ cup, softened) – This makes the puffs flaky and rich. Bonus points if it’s slightly salted.
- Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups, shredded) – Sharp cheddar is best. You want that bold, tangy flavor.
- Cooked Ham (1¼ cups, finely chopped) – The finer the chop, the better it mixes into the dough.
- Worcestershire Sauce (¼ teaspoon) – A little adds a ton of depth. Don’t skip this.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – The glue that holds it all together and gives the puffs structure.
How To Make Ham Puffs?
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
- Line a baking sheet with
parchment paper (trust me, no one wants to scrub melted cheese off a pan).
Step 2: Mix It All Together
- In a big bowl, mix softened butter, cheddar cheese, ham, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Gradually add flour, stirring until a rough dough forms. At first, it’ll seem too crumbly—just keep mixing. The butter will bring it all together.
Step 3: Shape the Puffs
- Roll the dough into ½-inch balls and arrange them on the baking sheet.
- No need to be a perfectionist. Some will be slightly bigger than others, and that’s fine (aka more cheese in some bites = never a bad thing).
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they look beautifully golden and slightly crisp on the edges.
- Let them cool slightly before diving in (if you have self-control, which I do not).
Step 5: Serve & Watch Them Disappear
Want To Save This Recipe?
- These are best warm, when the cheese is still gooey, but good luck stopping people from eating them straight off the baking sheet.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Toss them back in the oven at 350ºF for 5-7 minutes to get that fresh-baked crispness back.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to mix things up? Try these fun variations:
- Switch up the cheese. Pepper jack for spice, Swiss for a nuttier flavor, or gouda for extra richness.
- Add some heat. A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika makes these even better.
- Swap the ham. Try crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, or even chopped turkey.
- Make them gluten-free. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute—works just as well!
- Herb it up. A little chopped chives or parsley adds a fresh twist.
What to Serve with Ham Puffs?
These are dangerously good on their own, but here are a few ideas for pairings:
- Dips: Honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
- Soups: Pair with tomato soup, potato soup, or a classic French onion.
- Brunch: Serve with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a next-level breakfast.
- Cocktails: These go shockingly well with mimosas, Bloody Marys, or a crisp hard cider.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! The dough balls can be prepped a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but fresh-grated melts better and tastes way richer.
Can I make them bigger?
Absolutely—just bake them a little longer, around 18-20 minutes.
I dare you to bake a batch of these Ham Puffs and not eat half of them before they even make it to the plate. They’re buttery, cheesy, and just the right amount of salty—basically everything you could ever want in a snack.
Try them out, bring them to a party, and prepare for the inevitable, “Wait, who made these?!” moment. Can’t wait to hear what you think!
<Remember it later>
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!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Ham Puffs
Ingredients
- ½ c butter softened
- 1½ c cheddar cheese shredded
- 1¼ c finely chopped cooked ham
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 c all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl combine the butter, cheddar cheese, ham and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add the flour gradually. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Shape the mixture into balls measuring around 1/2 inch, in size and arrange them on the baking sheet.
- Bake, for 15 to 18 minutes. Until they turn a lovely golden brown color.
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!
8 Responses
Are these good cold
Hi Peggy! Yes, these Ham Puffs can be enjoyed cold as well. They make a great snack straight from the fridge, though they’re also delicious when served warm. Give them a try both ways and see which you prefer! Thanks for asking!
These look delicious. About how many balls does this recipe make? Thank you
Hi Shirley,
This recipe makes about 3 dozen Ham Puffs, depending on the size of the balls you form. Enjoy!
These would be good served with a cranberry or mustard dipping sauce
Great idea, Sue! Cranberry or mustard dipping sauce would pair wonderfully with Ham Puffs, adding a nice tangy contrast to the savory flavors. Thanks for the suggestion!
Do you need any kind of dip with these?
You don’t need a dip for these Ham Puffs, as they’re flavorful on their own! But if you’d like, a mustard-based or cranberry dipping sauce would pair really well with them. Enjoy!