There’s something irresistibly comforting about the combination of flaky pastry, savory ham, and melted cheese. This Ham and Cheese Pastry Delight transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dish that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. The golden, buttery layers of pastry encase a delicious filling that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ready in just 45 minutes with minimal effort, this recipe strikes that perfect balance between “looks fancy” and “actually easy to make.” Whether you’re hosting friends for brunch or looking for a quick family meal, these ham and cheese pastries deliver big on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick preparation – just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Uses readily available ingredients you might already have on hand
- Versatile enough for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults
- Can be made ahead and reheated for busy weeknights
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
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Cut the puff pastry sheets into 5-inch (13cm) squares. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and kosher salt, cooking for 1 minute while stirring frequently.
- Slowly add milk while whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to boil.
- Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
- Add fresh spinach to the sauce and cook for 1 minute, or until wilted.
- Add diced ham and 1 cup of grated Swiss cheese into the sauce, stirring until well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Arrange puff pastry squares evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Top with a heaping spoonful of the ham and cheese mixture, then sprinkle with the remaining grated cheese.
- Fold the corners of each puff pastry square toward the center to form a smaller square.
- Brush the tops and sides of the pastries with lightly beaten egg white.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until pastries are puffed and golden brown.
Tips & Variations
- Add a layer of caramelized onions for extra sweetness and depth
- Try different cheese combinations like mozzarella and parmesan for an Italian twist
- Substitute prosciutto or turkey for the ham
- Add a few thin apple slices for a sweet-savory contrast
- Make mini versions using smaller pastry cuts for appetizers
- For a spicy kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking
Serving Suggestions
These ham and cheese pastries pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit and a sparkling beverage like mimosas or a non-alcoholic spritzer.
If serving for dinner, consider adding a soup like tomato bisque or French onion to round out the meal. The pastries are delicious warm from the oven but can also be enjoyed at room temperature for picnics or packed lunches.
Notes
- Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- The pastries are done when they’re deeply golden and you can see the layers have puffed up.
- For make-ahead preparation, assemble the pastries and freeze unbaked on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry works wonderfully in this recipe, though it will add significant prep time.
My pastry didn’t puff up as much as expected. What went wrong?
Make sure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold when you work with it. Also, check that your oven is fully preheated before baking.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the ham and use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers instead for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I prevent the filling from making the pastry soggy?
Avoid overfilling the pastries and make sure any wet ingredients (like fresh tomatoes) are patted dry before adding to the pastry.
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