Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
