Chef Mitchell preparing Cheesy Ham Puff Pastries
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of making Cheesy Ham Puff Pastries during a family brunch. After experimenting with different fillings, this recipe became a hit! Perfecting the flaky pastry and creamy filling took some time, but the delicious result makes it all worth it. Now, it's a staple in our home, loved by both kids and adults alike."

With over a decade of experience, Chef Mitchell specializes in American cuisine, particularly breakfast dishes. His passion for cooking shines through in every recipe, especially those that bring family and friends together. He enjoys creating easy yet delicious recipes that anyone can make at home.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cheesy Ham Puff Pastries served on a plate

Why This Cheesy Ham Puff Pastries Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because of its perfect balance of flavor and texture. The combination of ham and two types of cheese creates a rich filling, while the puff pastry provides a light, flaky exterior. These pastries are also incredibly versatile, allowing for various fillings based on personal preference.

The technique of sealing the pastries properly ensures that the filling stays intact during baking. Additionally, brushing the tops with egg wash gives them a beautiful golden color and enhances the texture. Following this recipe will yield perfectly baked pastries every time.

💡 Professional Tip

For an extra crispy bottom, place the baking sheet on the lower rack of the oven. This allows the base of the pastries to receive direct heat, promoting a golden, crunchy crust. Also, avoid overfilling to ensure easy sealing and baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the pastries a few hours in advance. Assemble them and cover them with plastic wrap in the fridge until you are ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld, and they can be baked fresh when needed.

If you prefer not to use ham, cooked chicken or turkey can be excellent substitutes. You can also use vegetarian alternatives like sautéed mushrooms or spinach and cheese for a delicious twist.

The pastries are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. Additionally, the filling should be hot and bubbly. A food thermometer can ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for safety.

Yes, you can freeze these pastries before baking. Assemble them, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

These pastries pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, fruit, or a light soup. For breakfast or brunch, consider serving them with a side of scrambled eggs or a yogurt parfait for a balanced meal.

Leftover Cheesy Ham Puff Pastries can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to place them in an airtight container to maintain their crispness and flavor.

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble the pastries just before baking for the best results, or freeze them as mentioned previously for future use.

To reheat, place the pastries in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps retain their crispiness, unlike a microwave which can make them soggy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the pastries are dry, it could be due to overbaking or not enough filling.

Solution: To remedy, ensure you monitor the baking time and adjust the filling quantity to ensure they're nicely filled for moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the pastries are not crisp enough, they may not have been baked at a high enough temperature.

Solution: Ensure the oven is fully preheated and consider baking them on a lower rack for better heat circulation for a crisper finish.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked pastries can become tough and dry.

Prevention: To prevent this, set a timer and check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. Every oven is different, and baking times may vary.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the pastries is undercooked, it may be due to thick filling or incorrect oven temperature.

Recovery: If this happens, return the pastries to the oven for a few additional minutes, and cover with foil if the tops are browning too quickly.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior may occur if the oven is too hot or pastries are placed too high in the oven.

Prevention: To prevent burning, adjust the oven temperature and position the baking sheet on the middle rack for even cooking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If too sweet, add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If too salty, serve the pastries with a side of unsalted yogurt or sour cream.

Bland: If the flavor is bland, consider adding herbs or spices to the filling, such as smoked paprika or cayenne for some heat.

Fresh ingredients for Cheesy Ham Puff Pastries

Essential Ingredients for Cheesy Ham Puff Pastries

The key ingredients in this recipe include diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, and puff pastry sheets. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich and satisfying filling that pairs perfectly with the flaky exterior of the pastry. Using high-quality cheese enhances the flavor, while fresh ham contributes to the overall taste and texture.

Choosing quality ingredients is essential for achieving the best results. Fresh, flavorful ham makes a significant difference in the taste of your pastries. Similarly, opt for real cheese instead of processed alternatives to ensure a rich, cheesy flavor that everyone will love.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Ham: Select high-quality ham for the best flavor. Look for options that are minimally processed and have a rich, savory taste. Diced ham can be found pre-packaged, or you can use leftover ham from a previous meal for a cost-effective choice.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Use a combination of sharp and mild cheddar cheese for depth of flavor. Shredded cheese melts more uniformly and integrates better into the filling. Grating your cheese from a block ensures freshness and prevents additives that can affect melting.
  • Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry is convenient and yields great results, but ensure it's thawed properly before use. For a flakier texture, handle the dough as little as possible and keep it cold until you are ready to bake.
Cooking process for Cheesy Ham Puff Pastries

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Cheesy Ham Puff Pastries is straightforward and beginner-friendly. It involves preparing the filling, assembling the pastries, and baking until golden brown. The simplicity of this recipe allows for quick preparation, making it an excellent choice for busy mornings.

To achieve perfect results, ensure that your oven is preheated and you monitor the baking time closely. The key to great puff pastries lies in the technique of sealing them properly, ensuring the filling stays intact and the pastry bakes evenly.

Key Technique for Perfect Cheesy Ham Puff Pastries

The most important technique for perfect Cheesy Ham Puff Pastries is to ensure that the edges are properly sealed before baking. This prevents the filling from leaking out during the cooking process. Use a fork to crimp the edges securely, and don’t overfill the pastries to maintain their shape and texture.

Cheesy Ham Puff Pastries

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon flour
    For thickening
  • 1/2 cup cream
    Heavy cream recommended
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    For tanginess
  • Salt and pepper
    To taste

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb ham
    Diced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
    For filling
  • 1 package puff pastry sheets
    (2 sheets)
  • 1 egg
    Beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
    Softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    To taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
    For flavor
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives
    Chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    For flavor
  • Salt to taste
    To enhance flavor
  • Flour for dusting
    To prevent sticking

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Prepare Pastry

    Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.

  3. Make Filling

    In a bowl, mix together diced ham, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chives, Dijon mustard, and salt.

  4. Cut Pastry

    Cut the puff pastry into squares, about 4x4 inches.

  5. Fill Pastry

    Place a spoonful of the ham and cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.

  6. Seal Pastry

    Fold the pastry over to create a triangle and seal the edges with a fork.

  7. Apply Egg Wash

    Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg.

  8. Bake

    Place the pastries on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

  9. Cool and Serve

    Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy ham puff pastries!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store Cheesy Ham Puff Pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheesy Ham Puff Pastries warm, alongside a fresh garden salad or a bowl of fruit for a delightful breakfast or brunch spread. A light yogurt or dipping sauce can also complement these pastries.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add vegetables to the filling, such as spinach or bell peppers, for added flavor and nutrition. You can also use different meats like turkey or chicken for varied taste.