Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Squares: Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Squares, a delightful combination of flaky, buttery pastry, salty ham, and gooey melted cheese. This recipe provides a detailed step-by-step guide to making the perfect appetizer or snack, ideal for gatherings, parties, or a comforting treat at home. Learn how to craft this delicious dish with simple ingredients and expert tips for achieving the best results.
Ingredients:
For the Puff Pastry Squares:
- 2 sheets of store-bought puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 oz deli ham, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)
For Serving:
Honey mustard or marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lightly dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets to smooth any creases.
- Layer the Filling: Place one sheet of puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly spread Dijon mustard over the surface (if using). Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the pastry, ensuring an even layer. Lay the thinly sliced ham over the cheese, covering it completely.
- Top and Seal: Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the ham and cheese layer. Press down gently around the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring the filling stays inside during baking.
- Cut into Squares: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, carefully slice the pastry into equal squares or rectangles. To maintain a clean shape, chill the cut pastry in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Brush this mixture over the top of the pastry squares to give them a golden-brown finish when baked.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crisp. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the squares from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Enjoy with Dipping Sauces: Serve warm with honey mustard or marinara sauce on the side for extra flavor. These puff pastry squares make a fantastic appetizer, snack, or even a light meal.
Conclusion:
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Squares are an easy yet impressive dish that delivers bold flavors in every bite. The crispy, golden layers of pastry contrast beautifully with the gooey melted cheese and savory ham, making them irresistible. Whether you’re preparing these for a party, a family gathering, or just a comforting snack, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a gourmet-style treat that is both satisfying and delicious. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect balance of flaky pastry, melted cheese, and savory ham in each bite!
FAQs:
How long should you bake puff pastry?
Bake the pastries until the puff pastry is a golden brown. This should take about 15 minutes, but keep your eyes on the baking process. When the pastries are golden brown, remove from the oven, and allow them to cool on a cooling rack. Allow them to cool for 3-5 minutes, then serve warm.
What does puff pastry taste like?
The end result is a delicious flaky pastry with a fantastic buttery taste. For puff pastry a basic dough is made using flour and water before being layered with a slab of butter. The dough/butter sandwich is rolled and folded several times to create more and more thin layers of butter within the dough.
How many times should puff pastry be folded?
When rolling the pastry out take care not to let the butter escape either from the sides or between the layers. Once the butter is added the pastry is rolled and folded into 3 five or six times. The best puff will probably have 6 rolls and folds which will produce pastry with 729 layers.
Can puff pastry appetizers be made ahead of time?
Make Ahead
The good news is you can also roll the filled puff pastry, refrigerate it, and slice it when you’re ready to bake and serve. That way you can enjoy more time with your loved ones, as these pretty pinwheels bubble up and bake.
How do you know when puff pastry is cooked?
When baking Puff Pastry, note that it’s done when it’s golden and puffy, not wet and doughy. Use the baking time in the recipe as a guideline, and rely on your eyes as well. You can bake Puff Pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
What are the rules for puff pastry?
Always preheat your oven for a minimum of 15-20 minutes before baking, because Puff Pastry depends on even heat to rise and puff. Place pastries 1 inch apart. If you want a flaky thin and crispy pastry that’s not very puffy, prick the unbaked Puff Pastry all over with a fork, which lets steam escape while baking.
Can you join two pieces of puff pastry?
Use an egg wash to help seal filled pastries and connect Puff Pastry pieces: mix 1 egg plus 1 tsp. water, brush between layers, then pinch or press together. When using an egg wash, be sure it doesn’t run down the cut sides of the pastry, as that will make edges stick together and stop the pastry from rising.
What is the best temperature for puff pastry?
400° F oven
About halfway through baking, peek into the oven to see how the pastry is baking. Always bake Puff Pastry Shells in a preheated 425° F oven. Bake Puff Pastry Cups in a preheated 400° F oven for 20 minutes. Do not bake either Shells or Cups in a microwave or toaster oven.
What happens if you fold puff pastry too much?
There is also a limit to how many folds you can do, even if you do chill your dough correctly – any more than seven and the butter will become too thin and melt back into your dough.
