Description
Delightfully flaky Ham & Gruyere Puff Pastry Tarts featuring thinly sliced deli ham, creamy Gruyere cheese, and crisp apple slices on a golden puff pastry base. Perfect for a savory brunch or an elegant appetizer, finished with a hint of honey and fresh thyme for a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Base
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
Toppings
- 12 slices of deli ham
- 3 ounces Gruyere, thinly sliced
- 1/2 Pink Lady or Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons stoneground mustard
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- pinch of kosher salt
- pinch of ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey
- several sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the tarts to a golden, flaky perfection.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet gently to flatten any visible creases. Trim the edges to create straight lines, then cut into six equal rectangles by slicing down the center lengthwise and then making three cuts crosswise.
- Score and Dock Pastry: Place the puff pastry pieces flat on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a knife, score a 1/4 inch border around each piece without cutting all the way through, and prick the inner area several times with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
- Assemble Tarts: Evenly spread the stoneground mustard across the inner sections of the puff pastry pieces, staying inside the scored border. Layer each piece with 3 slices of Gruyere cheese followed by 2 slices of ham. Arrange 3 to 4 thin slices of apple fanned across the top.
- Season Apples: Brush the apple slices lightly with olive oil for moisture and shine, then season with a pinch of kosher salt and ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 24 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown with crisp edges.
- Add Finishing Touches: Remove the tarts from the oven and immediately drizzle with honey to add a delicate sweetness. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an aromatic herbaceous finish.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is thoroughly chilled before rolling to prevent sticking and help with flakiness.
- Choose a tart apple like Pink Lady or Honeycrisp to balance the richness of the cheese and ham.
- Honey drizzle can be adjusted according to sweetness preference or omitted for a less sweet tart.
- Serve warm for best flavor and texture; leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
