Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries Recipe

Introduction

Ham and Cheese Puffs are a delightful savory treat perfect for any meal or snack. Flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy mixture of ham, spinach, and Swiss cheese makes for a comforting and satisfying bite. These puffs are simple to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated and divided
• 1 large egg white, lightly beaten

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: Cut each puff pastry sheet into 5-inch (13cm) squares. Place them in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
3. Step 3: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and kosher salt, stirring frequently, and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
4. Step 4: Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth and comes to a boil.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook for 1 minute, until wilted.
7. Step 7: Stir in the diced ham and 1 cup of the grated Swiss cheese until well combined. Remove the mixture from heat.
8. Step 8: Arrange the puff pastry squares evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Step 9: Place a heaping spoonful of the ham and cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry square, then sprinkle with some of the remaining grated cheese.
10. Step 10: Fold the corners of each puff square up and over the filling to form a smaller square.
11. Step 11: Brush each puff with the beaten egg white to give them a golden, shiny finish.
12. Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the puffs are risen and golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.
• Substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or cheddar for a different taste.
• Use smoked ham for a smoky twist.
• Make sure to keep the puff pastry cold until just before baking to ensure maximum flakiness.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the filling for extra depth.

Storage

Store leftover ham and cheese puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh puff pastry instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh puff pastry works well too. Just ensure it is well chilled before cutting and baking for the best puff and texture.

Can I prepare these puffs ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the puffs and keep them refrigerated for up to 6 hours before baking. You can also freeze the assembled but unbaked puffs for up to 1 month and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 194 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 puffs 1x

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Description

Savory Ham and Cheese Puffs made with flaky puff pastry, a creamy ham and spinach filling, and melted Swiss cheese, perfect for a delicious appetizer or snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff Pastry

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions

Roux and Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Filling

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated and divided

Finishing

• 1 large egg white, lightly beaten

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cut Puff Pastry: Cut each sheet of thawed puff pastry into 5-inch (13cm) squares and keep them refrigerated until ready to use.
3. Make Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and kosher salt and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to form a smooth paste.
4. Add Milk: Slowly pour in the room temperature milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, continuing to cook until the mixture reaches a smooth boil.
5. Make Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a creamy consistency.
6. Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for about 1 minute until the spinach wilts and incorporates well into the sauce.
7. Add Ham and Cheese: Mix in the diced ham and 1 cup of the grated Swiss cheese until evenly combined. Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.
8. Prepare Puff Pastry Squares: Arrange the puff pastry squares evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Top with Filling: Spoon a generous amount of the ham and cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry square, then sprinkle with the remaining Swiss cheese.
10. Fold Corners: Fold the four corners of each square toward the center to form a smaller square with the filling enclosed.
11. Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush all sides of the puff pastry squares with the beaten egg white to ensure a golden, glossy finish once baked.
12. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the puffs are risen, golden, and crisp. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Notes

• Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled before cutting to prevent sticking and ensure easy handling.
• Use freshly grated Swiss cheese for best melting quality.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder to the sauce.
• Serve these puffs warm as an appetizer or alongside a fresh salad for a light meal.
• Leftover puffs can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in a toaster oven to maintain crispiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Ham and Cheese Puffs, Puff Pastry Appetizer, Savory Puffs, Swiss Cheese Snacks, Spinach and Ham Pastry