Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry

Some recipes are simple enough to make for a quick lunch or snack, and elegant enough to serve at a party. This ham and cheese puff pastry recipe checks both boxes: it’s easy to make since it uses pre-made puff pastry, plus the ham is deli meat, so there’s no need to cook a whole ham, either. The brie and apricot give it an elegant upgrade, and the flavor profile is just the type to please all ages.

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry 

• Frozen puff pastry sheet: Skip homemade puff pastry and go with frozen. It’ll save you a ton of time and effort. Just be sure to thaw the sheet of puff pastry ahead of time.
• Apricot preserves: The preserves add a little sweetness to each puff pastry ham and cheese.
• Deli ham: Cut the sliced deli ham into quarters, or small enough to easily fit inside the puff pastries.
• Brie: Brie is a mild, soft cheese and delicious paired with other flavors. Cut the brie into 16 pieces ahead of time; this saves time when assembling the puff pastries.

Directions 

Step 1: Assemble the pastries

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Preheat the oven to 400°F. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry. Roll it into a 12-inch square, then cut that into sixteen 3-inch squares. Place 1 teaspoon of preserves in the center of each square, then top it with ham, folding as necessary, and cheese. Overlap 2 opposite corners of each pastry over its filling; pinch tightly to seal. The final shape should look similar to a kolache.

Step 2: Bake the pastries

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Place the puff pastry with cheese and ham on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them for 15 to 20 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Allow them to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before serving them. If desired, serve them with additional apricot preserves.

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Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Variations

• Get figgy with it: Use fig jam in place of the apricot preserves for a slightly different flavor combination.
• Change the meat: Use corned beef, turkey or roast beef deli slices in place of the ham for a totally different flavor. Add a little Swiss cheese in place of some of the brie, if desired.
• Add bacon: Crumble a couple strips of cooked bacon, and add a few tiny bits atop the preserves in each pastry.
• Change the shape: Instead folding just two opposite corners toward the middle, do the same with the remaining opposite corners as well. Pinch the corners together in the center so the pastry retains its shape while baking.

How to Store Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry

Once the pastries cool, store them in an airtight container or zippered food-storage bag in the refrigerator. Enjoy them within 3 to 4 days.

Can you freeze ham and cheese puff pastry?

Yes; to freeze them, allow them to cool first, then store them in a freezer-safe container, with wax paper separating the layers of pastries. Reheat the pastries on a baking sheet in a preheated 400° oven until they’re heated through. Place a sheet of parchment paper on the baking sheet, if desired, to make cleanup easier.

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Tips

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Can you make these in an air fryer?

Sure you can make air-fryer ham and brie pastries! Set the air fryer to 350°, then cook them in batches in a single layer on a greased tray in the air-fryer basket. Cook them for 12 to 16 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

How can I make these less messy when baking?

To keep the pastries from oozing out onto the baking sheet, use muffin tins or mini muffin tins instead. Place each assembled pastry into an indentation in the muffin tin, then shape the pastry a bit up the sides of the tin. Bake as directed. The final shape will be slightly different this way, but they’re just as delicious!

I can’t find apricot preserves. Can I use something similar?

Sure! Apricot jam, jelly or fruit spread also works. If you can’t find any of those in an apricot variety, peach is a close match.