Favorite Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer Recipe

This recipe brings together crispy puff pastry with melted Gruyère cheese and black forest ham. Super simple to make, it’s the perfect easy puff pastry appetizer, or enjoy it alongside a salad as a quick meal. Adapted from Ina Garten, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• Puff Pastry – 1 package (2 sheets), defrosted.*
• Dijon Mustard – 2 tablespoons, for added tangy flavor.
• Black Forest Ham – 1/4 pound, thinly sliced, for savory richness.
• Gruyère Cheese – 1/2 pound, grated, for a creamy, nutty finish.
• Egg – Lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon of water, for an egg wash.
• Flour – For dusting the work surface.

Notes & Tips:

*Defrost puff pastry overnight in the fridge before starting.

If puff pastry sheets are unavailable, use a block of dough. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into two sheets measuring approximately 10 x 12 inches. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash

In a small bowl, lightly beat an egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Pastry Base

1. Place a piece of parchment paper onto your work surface and dust lightly with flour.
2. Lay one sheet of puff pastry on top of the parchment paper.
3. Using the back of a teaspoon, brush the dough with Dijon mustard, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Use a ruler for precision if needed.

Step 4: Add Fillings

1. Staying within the border, layer the sliced ham in overlapping layers.
2. Add the grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the ham.
3. Brush the border with egg wash to help seal the pastry.

Step 5: Seal and Trim

1. Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the filled pastry, aligning the edges.
2. Using a sharp knife, trim the edges so the dough lines up evenly. Press down lightly to seal the edges.
3. Brush the top with more egg wash and cut a few slits into the top to allow steam to escape.

this Recipe

Step 6: Bake

1. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet by lifting the parchment paper.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.

Step 7: Serve

1. Allow the pastry to cool for a few minutes.
2. Cut into squares, yielding 12-16 pieces depending on your preferred size.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve

These puff pastry squares are ideal as appetizers for parties or gatherings. Pair with a side salad for a light lunch or dinner.

Make Over

Make Ahead

Assemble the pastry up to a day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked assembled pastry for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute Gruyère cheese?
Yes, Swiss or Emmental cheese are great alternatives.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can use whole-grain mustard or yellow mustard as substitutes.

Can I add other fillings?
Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions would make excellent additions.

These Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Squares are the perfect combination of flaky, cheesy, and savory. Easy to prepare and always a hit, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe for any occasion!

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