Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 4 oz ham, diced
- 4 oz cheese (such as cheddar or Swiss), shredded
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- If using frozen puff pastry, thaw it in the refrigerator according to package instructions.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Keep puff pastry chilled and work quickly to preserve flakiness.
- Lightly flour a work surface and roll puff pastry to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut rolled pastry into 3–4 inch squares.
- Beat the egg and reserve for egg wash.
- Combine diced ham, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each pastry square, leaving edges clear for sealing.
- Fold the corners over the filling and pinch edges tightly to seal.
- Brush the tops of the sealed pastries with the beaten egg.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the pastries on it.
- Bake 15–20 minutes, until pastries are puffed and deep golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let pastries cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Make-ahead tip: Mix the filling up to 24 hours ahead, store it in the fridge, and assemble right before baking., You can assemble the pastries and freeze them before baking; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time., Try air frying at 400°F for 12-15 minutes for a crispy result., Variations include swapping ham for turkey, chicken, or bacon; using different cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or brie; or making vegetarian versions with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta or feta., Add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or chives, or spicy elements like jalapeño or red pepper flakes., Use milk or cream instead of egg wash for a softer finish, and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds for extra texture., Store leftovers airtight in the fridge up to 3 days; freeze wrapped tightly for up to 1 month., Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep pastry crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: Approximately 150 calories per pastry (estimate)
- Fat: 8 g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 15 g per serving
- Protein: 8 g per serving