Ham and Cheese Puffs Recipe

Introduction

Ham and Cheese Puffs are a delicious and savory snack, perfect for gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat. These flaky puff pastry squares filled with ham, spinach, and Swiss cheese offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (thawed according to package directions)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups cooked ham (diced)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese (grated and divided)
• 1 large egg white (lightly beaten)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: Cut the puff pastry sheets into 5-inch (13 cm) squares. Place the squares in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
3. Step 3: Make the roux by melting the butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the flour and salt, and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
4. Step 4: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and starts to boil.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook for about 1 minute until wilted.
7. Step 7: Stir in the diced ham and 1 cup of the grated Swiss cheese. Remove the mixture from heat and set aside.
8. Step 8: Arrange the puff pastry squares evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Step 9: Place a heaping spoonful of the ham and cheese mixture on each pastry square, then sprinkle with the remaining grated Swiss cheese.
10. Step 10: Fold the corners of each pastry square up toward the center to form a smaller square, enclosing the filling.
11. Step 11: Brush each puff pastry with the beaten egg white, making sure to coat all sides for a golden finish.
12. Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, try using Gruyère or cheddar cheese instead of Swiss.
• Replace the ham with cooked bacon or smoked turkey for a twist.
• To ensure crisp puff pastry, avoid overfilling and make sure the pastry is well chilled before baking.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a warm, subtle spice.

Storage

Store any leftover Ham and Cheese Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the ham, spinach, and cheese filling can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling and baking.

Can I freeze these puffs?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked Ham and Cheese Puffs. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Ham and Cheese Puffs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 145 reviews

Delicious ham and cheese puffs made with flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy mixture of ham, spinach, and Swiss cheese. These savory pastries are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or a light meal and are baked until golden and puffed to perfection.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff Pastry

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions

Roux and Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Fillings

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated and divided

Finishing

• 1 large egg white, lightly beaten

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside to prepare the ingredients.
2. Cut puff pastry: Cut the thawed puff pastry sheets into 5-inch (13 cm) squares. Place the squares in the refrigerator while preparing the filling to keep them firm.
3. Make roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt, cooking for about 1 minute while stirring frequently to form a roux.
4. Add milk: Gradually pour in the room temperature whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a smooth boil over medium heat.
5. Simmer sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6. Add spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for about 1 minute until it wilts into the sauce.
7. Add ham and cheese: Mix in the diced cooked ham and 1 cup of grated Swiss cheese. Stir thoroughly to combine, then remove the sauce from heat and set aside.
8. Arrange pastry squares: Place the puff pastry squares evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Fill pastry: Spoon a heaping amount of the ham, spinach, and cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry square. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Swiss cheese on top of each portion.
10. Fold corners: Carefully fold the corners of each pastry square toward the center to form smaller squares, enclosing the filling.
11. Brush with egg white: Lightly brush each puff pastry with the beaten egg white to help achieve a golden, shiny finish when baked.
12. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Notes

• Make sure the puff pastry squares are chilled before assembling to help them hold their shape during baking.
• You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor.
• Leftover ham and spinach mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and increase the spinach or add mushrooms.
• Use low-fat milk and cheese if you want a lighter version.

Keywords: ham and cheese puffs, puff pastry appetizers, ham puffs, spinach ham pastries, Swiss cheese puffs