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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Cut each sheet of thawed puff pastry into 5-inch (13cm) squares and keep them refrigerated until ready to use.
- 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.
- 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.
- Make Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a creamy consistency.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for about 1 minute until the spinach wilts and incorporates well into the sauce.
- 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.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Squares: Arrange the puff pastry squares evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- 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.
- Fold Corners: Fold the four corners of each square toward the center to form a smaller square with the filling enclosed.
- 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.
- 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
