Description
These Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks are a delicious, flaky appetizer or snack featuring layers of savory ham and melted cheese encased in golden, buttery puff pastry. Enhanced with Dijon mustard, aromatic spices, and a parsley garnish, they bake up crispy and flavorful in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Stack Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Roll Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the sheet of puff pastry until it is smooth and slightly thinner to ensure even baking and flakiness.
- Cut Pastry: Cut the puff pastry into four even squares using a knife or pizza cutter, forming the base for each stack.
- Add Ham: Place one slice of ham on each puff pastry square, covering most of the surface to layer flavor throughout the stack.
- Add Cheese: Lay one slice of cheese over the ham on each square, aligning with the edges of the ham for perfect coverage.
- Spread Mustard: Evenly spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the cheese slices, adding a tangy kick that complements the ham and cheese.
- Fold Pastry: Fold each puff pastry square in half to create a rectangle or triangle shape according to your preference, sealing the fillings inside.
- Seal Edges: Press gently along the folded edges to seal the stack, preventing the filling from leaking during baking.
- Brush with Egg: Brush the tops of each pastry stack with the beaten egg to ensure a beautiful golden and glossy finish once baked.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over the top of the pastry stacks for an aromatic boost.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the stacks to help them crisp evenly and enhance the golden color.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the prepared puff pastry stacks evenly spaced on the lined baking sheet so they bake uniformly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown, puffed, and crispy.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the stacks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes to set and prevent burning.
- Garnish with Parsley: Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley on top of each stack to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve Warm: Serve the crispy ham and cheese puff pastry stacks warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- You can substitute Swiss, Gruyere, or cheddar cheese for a different flavor variation.
- Make sure to seal the edges of the pastry well to avoid filling leakage during baking.
- For extra crispiness, chill the prepared stacks in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking.
- These stacks are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in an oven to retain crispness.
- Use gluten-free puff pastry if you need a gluten-free option.
