Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries- A delicious and easy-to-make snack or appetizer these ham and cheese puff pastries are crispy, flaky, and packed with a savory filling everyone will love.
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Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries are perfect for parties, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with something that is both tasty and beautiful.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create an appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
HOW TO MAKE HAM & CHEESE PUFF PASTRIES
To make these cheesy puff pastries, you will need:
- Puff pastry sheets
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Salt and pepper
- Sliced cooked ham
- Fresh spinach
- Egg white
These delicious ham and cheese puff pastries are super easy to make and are perfect as a snack, appetizer, lunch or dinner.
First, preheat your oven to 400℉, line two baking sheets with parchment paper and follow the instructions below.
PREPARING THE PASTRIES AND MAKING THE SAUCE
- Using a pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry sheets into sections.
- You'll want to cut each of the sheets into 6 squares.
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a large saucepan and whisk in the flour.
- Slowly pour your milk into the butter mixture and whisk until smooth and boiling. Reduce the heat, but continue cooking until the sauce begins to thicken.
FILLING THE PUFF PASTRIES
- Add the spinach and cook for 1 minute. Then, add your ham and cheese and stir until combined.
- Add a spoonful of the ham and sauce mixture to each puff pastry square. Top the mixture with the remaining swiss cheese.
- Fold the corners of the puff pastry to the center so each corner is gently connected.
- Brush each pastry with the egg white.
Place the puff pastries on your prepared baking sheets and bake for 20-22 minutes. Allow the pastries to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Just look at how gorgeous these little appetizers are!
WHERE DO YOU FIND PUFF PASTRY IN THE GROCERY STORE?
WHAT COULD I SUBSTITUTE FOR PUFF PASTRY?
The closest substitution for puff pastry is probably croissant dough, however, phyllo or biscuit dough and even pie crust could act as substitutions.
Just be aware that when you substitute, the outcome is often quite different.
DO YOU NEED TO THAW FROZEN PUFF PASTRY SHEETS BEFORE BAKING?
Yes, you should! While some people may simply pop their puff pastry shells straight from the freezer into the oven, doing so can have negative consequences.
Thawing your puff pastry sheets before baking allows them to properly rise and get that signature flaky texture. Whether you let them sit on the counter, or quickly thaw them out in a microwave, taking this extra step will help ensure that your ham and cheese puff pastries come out perfectly baked every time.
SHOULD YOU BAKE PUFF PASTRIES BEFORE FILLING THEM?
There is some debate among bakers as to whether or not puff pastry should be baked before it is filled.
Some argue that allowing the pastry to rise before filling it gives the finished product a richer and flakier texture, while others believe that baking the pastry beforehand can limit its ability to expand and become light and airy.
Ultimately, the choice between these two methods comes down to personal preference and desired end results. Personally, I don't think it's necessary.
MORE DELICIOUS APPETIZERS TO TRY
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastries
Ingredients
- 2 puff pastry sheets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ¾ cups cooked ham (diced)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups Swiss cheese (shredded and divided)
- 1 egg white (lightly beaten)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Prepare 2 baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- Cut each puff pastry sheet into 6 squares.
- Place 6 squares on each prepared baking sheet.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- When completely melted, whisk in flour for about 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously until it is smooth and boiling.
- Reduce heat, continuing to stir until sauce begins to thicken.
- Add spinach. Cook for 1 minute until spinach begins to wilt.
- Add ham and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese. Stir until well-combined.
- Add a spoonful of ham mixture in the center of each puff pastry square.
- Top with remaining Swiss cheese.
- Fold corners of puff pastry toward the center, gently connecting the four corners.
- Brush each pastry with egg white.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes or until tops begin to turn golden brown.
Notes
- You can use frozen puff pastry or refrigerated pastry. Thaw the frozen puff pastry before use.
- You can substitute the puff pastry with croissant dough, pizza dough or pie crust.
- For a richer and flakier pastry, feel free to allow the rise before filling.
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