Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry

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Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry: An Easy Homemade Hot Pocket Delight

If you’re in search of a quick and delicious recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or snacks, the Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry is your ideal choice.

This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into super flaky, mouth-watering hot pockets that are sure to please everyone.

A close-up view of freshly baked Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries resembling homemade hot pockets, with a golden, flaky exterior. The puff pastries are cut open, revealing a steamy, melted Swiss cheese and savory ham filling, oozing out slightly.

Why Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry is a “Must-Try”

This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry recipe is not just another baking recipe.

It’s a game-changer for those busy days or when you’re in need of ideal appetizers for entertaining, especially on game-day.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

  • Easy Homemade Hot Pockets: Prep in 10 minutes, then bake for 15, and you have a delicious homemade snack.
  • Perfect for Any Meal: Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this recipe fits right in.
  • Kid-Friendly Meal: With ham and gooey melted cheese, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
  • Leftover Ham Recipe: A great way to use leftover ham, transforming it into an on-the-go meal or a kid-friendly dish.
A close-up view of freshly baked Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries resembling homemade hot pockets, with a golden, flaky exterior. The puff pastries are cut open, revealing a steamy, melted Swiss cheese and savory ham filling, oozing out slightly.

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Ingredients

(See recipe card below for quantities & instructions)

  • Puff Pastry Sheets: The base of your dish. Select high-quality, all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor and texture. You’ll need enough sheets to make your desired number of pastries. Typically, one standard-sized sheet can be cut into four to six squares, depending on how large you want your pastries.
  • Ham: Choose a good quality ham for this recipe. You can opt for deli ham, thinly sliced, or use leftover ham from a previous meal. The ham should be cut or sliced thin enough to easily layer on the pastry without adding too much bulk.
  • Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese pairs wonderfully with ham, offering a mild, nutty flavor that melts beautifully. You can use slices or grated cheese, depending on your preference and what’s available.
  • Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps to keep the fillings moist during baking. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Egg: You’ll need one egg for the egg wash. Beating the egg and brushing it on the pastry will give your pastries a beautiful golden sheen and help seal the edges.
  • Everything Bagel Seasoning: This seasoning mix usually includes sesame seeds, dried minced garlic and onion, poppy seeds, and salt. It adds a flavorful and crunchy top layer to the pastries, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
Freshly baked Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries resembling homemade hot pockets, displayed on a rustic wooden board. The pastries are golden and crispy on the outside, with a deliciously melted cheese and ham center peeking through the flaky layers. The aroma of baked cheese and ham fills the air, inviting a taste of these comforting, warm treats.

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheets on a flat surface. If they’re frozen, let them thaw first. Then, cut each sheet into squares of your desired size. This will form the individual pastries.
  3. Layer the Filling:
    • Ham: Place slices of ham on each pastry square, fitting them within the borders.
    • Cheese: Add a slice or a sprinkle of Swiss cheese on top of the ham.
  4. Seal the Pastries:
    • Egg Wash: Beat an egg in a bowl and brush the edges of each pastry square with it.
    • Assemble and Press: Add anoher square on top, pressing the edges together to seal the ham and cheese inside.
  5. Bake:
    • Top with Seasoning: Brush the tops with more egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning (optional)
    • Baking Time: Place the pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden and puffy.
  6. Cool and Serve: Let the pastries cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for the best taste!
Close-up of Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries, similar to gourmet hot pockets, with steam rising from the flaky, golden crust. The layers of puff pastry are perfectly browned, revealing the hearty filling of savory ham and gooey, melted cheese inside. The pastries are garnished with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, adding an extra flavor kick.

From Breakfast to Game-Day: Versatility at Its Best

The Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry is not just a simple baking recipe.

It’s a versatile dish that fits into any meal plan.

Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a convenient lunch, or an on-the-go meal, this recipe is ideal.

It’s also a fantastic way to use leftover ham, making it a practical and delicious leftover ham recipe.

An inviting platter of Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries, fresh out of the oven and resembling upscale hot pockets.

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry: A Kid-Friendly, Easy Recipe for All Occasions

This easy recipe is not only delicious but also a kid-friendly meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for game-day snacks, or need a quick meal solution, the Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry has got you covered.

Serving platter filled with Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries, reminiscent of artisanal hot pockets. Each pastry boasts a golden, buttery crust with visible flaky layers, and a generous filling of succulent ham and rich, melted Swiss cheese.

Recipe FAQ

What are the best cheeses for melting?

For the Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry recipe, the best melting cheeses to consider would be:

  • Swiss Cheese: Offers a lovely melt and a mild, nutty flavor that pairs well with ham.
  • Mozzarella: Known for its excellent stretch and melt, adding a gooey texture.
  • Cheddar: Melts smoothly and adds a sharper flavor for a more pronounced cheese taste.
  • Gruyère: A good melter with a delicious, slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
  • Provolone: Melts well and complements the ham with its slightly tangy taste.
Close-up of Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries, similar to gourmet hot pockets, with steam rising from the flaky, golden crust. The layers of puff pastry are perfectly browned, revealing the hearty filling of savory ham and gooey, melted cheese inside.

Can this recipe be made in advance?

Yes, the Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry can be made in advance.

Simply assemble the pastries and then either:

  1. Freeze: Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then store in a freezer-safe bag.
  2. Refrigerate: Keep them covered in the fridge for up to 2 days, and bake as per the recipe when needed.

This makes the recipe convenient for meal prep or entertaining.

A stack of Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries, freshly baked and resembling upscale hot pockets, on a modern slate serving tray.

Can ham puff pastry be stored for later?

Absolutely! After baking and cooling your Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries, you can:

  • Refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Just pop them in an airtight container.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap each one individually and store in a freezer bag.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the oven for that freshly-baked taste.

Enjoy your pastries anytime!

Other Appetizers and Snacks to Try!

Puff Pastry Cranberry Bites

Golden puff pastry bites filled with melted Brie cheese and topped with cranberry sauce and fresh thyme, served on a white plate.

Cranberry Orange Crostini

Freshly made Cranberry and Orange Crostini with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Golden brown Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries on a white serving plate. Each pastry has a flaky, golden crust with visible layers, encasing a warm, melted Swiss cheese and ham filling. The pastries are sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning, adding a touch of color and texture. The plate is set against a simple, elegant background, emphasizing the appetizing appearance of the dish.
Yield: 9 Hot Pockets

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Freshly baked Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries, golden and flaky, filled with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, topped with everything bagel seasoning.

Ingredients

  • 1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry sheets
  • 9 slices ham (like deli ham or black forest ham), thinly sliced
  • 9 slices Swiss cheese (or any meltable cheese), thinly sliced
  • 1 large egg, beaten with a splash of water
  • Garnish everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheets on a flat surface. If they're frozen, let them thaw first. Then, cut each sheet into squares of your desired size. This will form the individual pastries.
  3. Layer the Filling: Ham: Place slices of ham on each pastry square, fitting them within the borders. Cheese: Add a slice or a sprinkle of Swiss cheese on top of the ham.
  4. Seal the Pastries: Egg Wash: Beat an egg in a bowl and brush the edges of each pastry square with it. Assemble and Press: Add another square on top, pressing the edges together to seal the ham and cheese inside.
  5. Bake: Top with Seasoning: Brush the tops with more egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning (optional)Baking Time: Place the pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden and puffy.
  6. Cool and Serve: Let the pastries cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for the best taste!

Notes

The best melting cheeses to consider would be:

  • Swiss Cheese: Offers a lovely melt and a mild, nutty flavor that pairs well with ham.
  • Mozzarella: Known for its excellent stretch and melt, adding a gooey texture.
  • Cheddar: Melts smoothly and adds a sharper flavor for a more pronounced cheese taste.
  • Gruyère: A good melter with a delicious, slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
  • Provolone: Melts well and complements the ham with its slightly tangy taste.

Nutrition Information

Yield

9

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 261Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 90mgSodium 822mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 0gSugar 2gProtein 25g

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