What the heck is this?
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bundles are like little pockets of magic. Picture this: flaky, golden-brown puff pastry wrapped around savory ham and gooey melted cheese. It’s a bite-sized delight that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, as a snack, or at a party, these bundles will be the first thing to disappear. The best part? They come together quickly, and you don’t need any fancy skills in the kitchen to pull them off. These little bundles of joy are perfect for satisfying your savory cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flaky and golden: The puff pastry crisps up beautifully, providing that perfect balance of crunch and tenderness.
- Savory and cheesy: The combination of ham and melted cheese inside is pure comfort food heaven.
- Easy and quick: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute snack or appetizer.
- Versatile: You can use whatever cheese you like, and you can even swap out the ham for turkey or chicken if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Kid-friendly: These are fun to eat and will have the kids begging for more (and they’re easy to make ahead!).
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 slices of ham (preferably thinly sliced)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite cheese)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for a little tang)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If it’s too large, you can trim it to fit the size of your baking sheet. Cut the sheet into 6 equal squares (or 8 for smaller bundles).
Step 3: Add the Ham and Cheese
Place a slice of ham in the center of each puff pastry square. Top the ham with about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese. If you’re using Dijon mustard, spread a little on the ham before adding the cheese for an extra kick of flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the ham and cheese to form a bundle. Pinch the edges together to seal, making sure the filling is completely enclosed. This will ensure the cheese stays inside while baking.
Step 5: Egg Wash
Whisk the egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the pastry bundles with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden finish when they bake.
Step 6: Bake
Place the bundles on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven. Once they’re done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives, if desired, and serve immediately. These little bundles are perfect with a side of fresh greens or a light salad for a full meal.
Serving Suggestions
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bundles are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with a simple salad or some roasted vegetables. For an extra indulgent experience, serve them with a side of marinara or creamy dipping sauce for a fun twist. These bundles also work great as part of a brunch spread or as appetizers at your next gathering.
Switch It Up
- Cheese swap: While cheddar and Swiss are classic choices, you can also use mozzarella, gouda, or even a blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
- Add herbs: Try adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the ham for extra flavor. Fresh basil also works wonderfully if you’re using a mozzarella-based filling.
- Go vegetarian: Instead of ham, use sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Make them mini: If you’re serving these as appetizers, cut the puff pastry into smaller squares and reduce the baking time to 10-15 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the bundles up to 4 hours in advance. Just assemble them, place them on the baking sheet, and cover with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and pop them in the oven. You can also freeze them before baking; just assemble, freeze on the baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I make these with a different type of meat?
A: Absolutely! You can swap out the ham for turkey, chicken, or even prosciutto for a different flavor profile. Just make sure your meat is sliced thin enough to fit comfortably inside the puff pastry.
Q: Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
A: While puff pastry gives the best texture for this recipe, you can try using phyllo dough if you prefer. Phyllo will be a bit flakier and less rich than puff pastry, but it’ll still work well.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover bundles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crisp up the pastry again.
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bundles: Flaky, Savory Perfection
- Total Time: 16 minute
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bundles are like little pockets of magic. Picture this: flaky, golden-brown puff pastry wrapped around savory ham and gooey melted cheese. It’s a bite-sized delight that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, as a snack, or at a party, these bundles will be the first thing to disappear. The best part? They come together quickly, and you don’t need any fancy skills in the kitchen to pull them off. These little bundles of joy are perfect for satisfying your savory cravings.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
6 slices of ham (preferably thinly sliced)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite cheese)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for a little tang)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If it’s too large, you can trim it to fit the size of your baking sheet. Cut the sheet into 6 equal squares (or 8 for smaller bundles).
Place a slice of ham in the center of each puff pastry square. Top the ham with about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese. If you’re using Dijon mustard, spread a little on the ham before adding the cheese for an extra kick of flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the ham and cheese to form a bundle. Pinch the edges together to seal, making sure the filling is completely enclosed. This will ensure the cheese stays inside while baking.
Whisk the egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the pastry bundles with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden finish when they bake.
Place the bundles on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven. Once they’re done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives, if desired, and serve immediately. These little bundles are perfect with a side of fresh greens or a light salad for a full meal.
Notes
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bundles are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with a simple salad or some roasted vegetables. For an extra indulgent experience, serve them with a side of marinara or creamy dipping sauce for a fun twist. These bundles also work great as part of a brunch spread or as appetizers at your next gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~300 calories
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Protein: ~12g