Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks Recipe
These Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks are a deliciously flaky and savory treat perfect for snacks, appetizers, or a light meal. Layers of thinly sliced ham and melted cheese are sandwiched between buttery puff pastry sheets, brushed with an egg wash for a golden, crispy finish. Easy to prepare and bake, they bring a perfect blend of texture and flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- Flour for dusting
Filling
- 8 slices ham (thinly sliced)
- 8 slices cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
For Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the puff pastry stacks.
- Roll Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the first sheet of puff pastry to smooth and slightly enlarge it, preparing it for layering.
- Assemble Layers: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the rolled puff pastry sheet if using. Then evenly layer the ham slices over the pastry, followed by the slices of your chosen cheese.
- Cover with Second Sheet: Place the second puff pastry sheet gently over the ham and cheese layers. Press down lightly to seal the layers together, and crimp the edges using a fork to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top of the assembled pastry stack with the beaten egg. This step adds a beautiful golden color and a glossy finish after baking.
- Bake: Place the puff pastry stacks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the baked pastry stacks to cool slightly on a wire rack. Then slice into squares or rectangles and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute ham with turkey or prosciutto for a different flavor.
- Dijon mustard is optional but adds a subtle tangy layer that enhances taste.
- Make sure puff pastry sheets are fully thawed before rolling to prevent tearing.
- Use a sharp knife to slice after baking to maintain clean edges.
- These stacks can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just extend baking time by a few minutes if baking cold.
Keywords: ham and cheese puff pastry, crispy puff pastry snack, baked ham cheese stacks, easy appetizer recipe, savory puff pastry
