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Favorite Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer Recipe

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  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 squares 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-inspired

Description

This Favorite Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer is a delightful, easy-to-make dish featuring flaky puff pastry layered with savory black forest ham and melted Gruyère cheese, enhanced by a tangy Dijon mustard spread. Perfect for parties or a tasty snack, these golden, buttery squares are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

  • 1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, defrosted
  • Flour for dusting

Filling

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • ¼ pound black forest ham, thinly sliced
  • ½ pound Gruyère cheese, grated

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for baking the puff pastry.
  2. Prepare Egg Wash: Lightly beat one egg with one tablespoon of water to create an egg wash; set it aside for later use in brushing the pastry.
  3. Prepare Work Surface: Place a piece of parchment paper on your work surface and dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
  4. Roll Out First Puff Pastry Sheet: Lay one sheet of defrosted puff pastry on the parchment paper and ensure it is smooth and flat.
  5. Spread Mustard: Using the back of a teaspoon, evenly brush Dijon mustard over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to help seal the pastry later. You may use a ruler for precision.
  6. Add Ham: Within the mustard-coated area and border, layer the thinly sliced black forest ham in overlapping layers for even coverage.
  7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the ham.
  8. Seal Edges: Brush the 1-inch border with the prepared egg wash to act as glue for sealing the pastry layers.
  9. Place Second Puff Pastry Sheet: Carefully lay the second sheet of puff pastry on top, aligning the edges to form a neat square.
  10. Trim Edges: Using a sharp knife, trim the edges so they line up perfectly, cutting in a swift downward motion without dragging to ensure proper rise. Lightly press the edges to seal.
  11. Decorate Top and Vent: Brush the entire top surface with more egg wash and cut a few slits in the top layer to allow steam to escape while baking.
  12. Transfer and Bake: Lift the parchment paper with the prepared pastry and transfer it to a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
  13. Cool and Serve: Allow the baked pastry to cool for a few minutes, then cut into 12 to 16 squares depending on preferred size and serve warm.

Notes

  • Defrost the puff pastry sheets overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
  • If puff pastry sheets are unavailable, use a block of dough rolled out and cut into two 10 x 12 inch sheets on a floured surface.
  • Use a sharp knife and cut in a swift downward motion to avoid dragging and ensure proper rise of the pastry.
  • Serving warm enhances the flavor and texture of the melted cheese and flaky crust.

Find it online: https://oliviadinner.com/favorite-ham-and-cheese-puff-pastry-appetizer-recipe/