Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 squares
Ingredients
For the Pastry
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Fork
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Allow the puff pastry to thaw according to the package instructions until it is easy to unfold without cracking.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Diced ham
- Cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Dijon mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley
Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated and well combined.
Step 3: Roll the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface.
Roll each sheet of puff pastry slightly to smooth out the folds without making it too thin.
Cut each sheet into four equal squares.
You should have eight pastry squares in total.
Step 4: Fill the Pastry
Place approximately ¼ cup of the ham and cheese mixture in the center of half of the pastry squares.
Leave a small border around the edges.
Brush the borders lightly with water.
Place another pastry square on top of each filled square.
Press the edges together with a fork to seal completely.
Cut two small slits in the top of each pastry to allow steam to escape while baking.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash
Whisk together the egg and one tablespoon of water.
Brush the tops of each pastry generously with the egg wash.
Sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds over the top if desired.
This gives the pastries a glossy, golden finish.
Step 6: Bake
Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, crisp, and deep golden brown.
The cheese should be melted and bubbling inside.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and allow the pastries to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This helps the filling set slightly and makes them easier to handle.
Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe Intensity
- Preparation Intensity: Easy
- Cooking Intensity: Moderate
- Skill Level: Beginner Friendly
- Flavor Intensity: Rich and Savory
- Texture: Buttery, Crispy, Flaky, and Creamy
- Overall Effort: Quick and Simple
Tips for Success
- Keep the puff pastry cold until ready to use for the flakiest layers.
- Avoid overfilling the pastry to prevent leaks during baking.
- Seal the edges firmly with a fork to keep the filling inside.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Add chopped spinach, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms for extra variety.
- Brush generously with egg wash for a beautifully browned crust.
- Let the pastries cool slightly before serving to avoid hot filling spilling out.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until hot and crisp.
Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it may soften the pastry.
The unbaked assembled pastries can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 8–10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Squares pair well with:
- Tomato soup
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh fruit salad
- Scrambled eggs
- Potato wedges
- Coleslaw
- Pickles or Dijon mustard for dipping
They are also ideal for brunch buffets, lunchboxes, holiday appetizers, and picnic baskets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pastries several hours in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely. Swiss, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or provolone all work wonderfully.
Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Yes. Cooked turkey or shredded chicken makes an excellent substitute.
Why is my pastry not flaky?
Puff pastry should remain cold before baking. If it becomes too warm, chill it for 15–20 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Can these be frozen?
Yes. Freeze either baked or unbaked pastries in airtight containers. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 20 g
- Total Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Potassium: 210 mg
- Calcium: 22% Daily Value
- Iron: 10% Daily Value