Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks are a delightful blend of flaky pastry, savory ham, and melted cheese. This easy recipe makes for a perfect appetizer, snack, or light meal that’s sure to impress with its golden, crispy layers.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 8 slices ham (thinly sliced)
• 8 slices cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Flour for dusting

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust your work surface with flour.
2. Step 2: Gently unfold the puff pastry sheets on the floured surface. Roll each sheet to smooth creases and achieve about ⅛ inch thickness. Chill if pastry becomes too soft.
3. Step 3: Place one puff pastry sheet on the baking sheet. Evenly layer ham slices, leaving a ½-inch border. Add cheese slices on top, and spread Dijon mustard over the cheese if using.
4. Step 4: Cover with the second puff pastry sheet. Press edges gently to seal, then crimp with a fork. Brush the top with beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
5. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed, deep golden, and crispy. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
6. Step 6: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before slicing into 8 pieces. Serve warm with melted cheese.

Tips & Variations

• Use your favorite cheese blend for different flavors, such as mozzarella for creaminess or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley in between the layers can enhance the taste.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

Storage

Store leftover pastry stacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry directly without thawing?

Thawing puff pastry before use is important to ensure it rolls out easily and puffs properly during baking. Using frozen pastry can result in uneven layers and poor rise.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar, Swiss, and Gruyère melt well and complement ham flavor beautifully. You can mix cheeses to find your preferred taste and texture.

Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 89 reviews

These Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks are a delightful and easy-to-make savory treat. Layers of thinly sliced ham and your choice of cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère cheese are sandwiched between sheets of flaky puff pastry, brushed with egg wash for a beautiful golden finish. Ideal for a snack, appetizer, or light meal, these stacks combine rich flavors with a satisfyingly crispy texture.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Components

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 8 slices ham (thinly sliced)
• 8 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Flour for dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring the puff pastry will rise properly and develop a golden color. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and lightly dust your workspace with flour to prevent the pastry from sticking.
2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to smooth out creases and roll each sheet to about ⅛ inch thickness, maintaining the delicate layers. If the pastry becomes sticky, chill it briefly in the refrigerator.
3. Build the Layers: Place one sheet of puff pastry on the baking sheet. Evenly arrange the ham slices on top, leaving a ½-inch border. Layer cheese slices over the ham. If desired, spread Dijon mustard lightly over the cheese for extra flavor.
4. Seal and Finish: Carefully place the second sheet of puff pastry over the filling. Press around the edges gently to seal, avoiding pressing the center to allow puffing. Use a fork to crimp the edges decoratively and secure the filling. Brush the top with beaten egg wash for a glossy, golden finish.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the pastry puffs up and turns deep golden brown with crispy edges. If parts brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil. The pastry is done when it sounds hollow when tapped.
6. Cool and Slice: Let the pastry cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set the filling. Slice into 8 equal squares or rectangles with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Wiping the blade between cuts helps keep the slices neat. Serve warm for the best melty cheese experience.

Notes

• Use cold puff pastry to maintain flakiness.
• Dijon mustard is optional but adds a nice tang.
• If your oven runs hot, check the pastry early to avoid burning.
• Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat in a toaster oven for crispiness.
• Feel free to substitute ham with turkey or add herbs like thyme for variation.

Keywords: ham and cheese, puff pastry, savory pastries, easy appetizer, baked snack