Ham Cheese Puff Pastry

By Tyla | Last modified on Jan 4, 2026

Featured in: Breakfast

Ham Cheese Puff Pastry combines crisp, flaky layers with savory ham and rich Gruyère cheese for a truly indulgent bite. Whether served warm for breakfast, lunch, or a casual snack, these golden pastries fill the kitchen with a comforting aroma that invites everyone to gather around.

Easy to assemble and featuring a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant gatherings alike. With a hint of Dijon mustard to enhance the savory filling, each pastry offers a delicious surprise in every flaky layer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy puff pastry layers that bake to golden perfection create irresistible texture contrast.
Rich Gruyère cheese melds beautifully with savory deli ham for a balanced, flavorful filling.
Simple preparation using store-bought puff pastry makes this an effortless yet impressive dish.
Optional Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, elevating each bite with depth and complexity.

Ingredients

Frozen Puff Pastry Sheets (2 sheets, 17.3 oz): Thawed until pliable for easy rolling and cutting into perfectly flaky pastry bases.
Deli Ham (10 oz, sliced): Provides a savory, tender layer of protein to complement the cheese within each pastry.
Gruyère Cheese Slices (8 oz): Melts smoothly adding a rich, nuttiness that balances the saltiness of the ham.
Dijon Mustard (2.7 fl oz, optional): Adds a subtle sharpness that brightens the flavor profile and pairs well with ham and cheese.
Large Egg (1, whisked): Used as an egg wash to seal and glaze the pastry, promoting a golden, glossy finish.
Everything Bagel Seasoning (optional): Sprinkled on top for extra texture, flavor, and a decorative touch.

Instructions

Thaw and Prepare Puff Pastry: Remove the frozen puff pastry sheets from the package and let them thaw at room temperature until they are soft and pliable. This step ensures the dough can easily be rolled and shaped without cracking during assembly.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This creates a non-stick surface that helps the pastries bake evenly and makes cleanup easier.
Cut Puff Pastry into Rectangles: If needed, gently roll out each puff pastry sheet to smooth creases and slightly enlarge the size. Slice each sheet into six equal rectangles using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, ensuring uniform cooking and portion sizes for each pastry.
Apply Egg Wash and Mustard: Brush the edges of each pastry rectangle with the whisked egg to act as a glue for sealing. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard in the center of each rectangle to introduce a mild tang that complements the fillings.
Add Ham and Cheese Filling: Place one slice of Gruyère cheese and a folded slice of ham onto the mustard spread in the center of each pastry piece. Folding the ham makes it more compact, creating an even layer of savory flavor inside.
Fold and Seal Pastries: Lift one corner of the pastry toward the center and fold the opposite corner over it to enclose the filling completely. Press the edges gently to seal securely, preventing filling from leaking during baking and helping the pastry puff evenly.
Brush Tops and Add Seasoning: Transfer the sealed pastries to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle everything bagel seasoning if desired for added flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
Bake Until Golden and Puffed: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until the pastries turn a rich golden brown, puff up beautifully, and the cheese inside melts thoroughly. This creates the iconic light and flaky texture associated with puff pastry.
Cool and Serve Warm: Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool briefly on the baking sheet. Serving them warm helps highlight the gooey cheese and tender ham, making every bite incredibly satisfying.

You Must Know

Fully thawed puff pastry is essential to avoid cracking and ensure easy handling during assembly.
You can swap Gruyère cheese for cheddar or Swiss cheese to customize flavor.
These pastries freeze well before baking and can be cooked directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy later, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through and crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these ham and cheese pastries with a fresh green salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a balanced meal. They also make excellent finger foods for brunches, parties, or afternoon teas.

Professional Tips

For an extra golden finish, brush the pastries with a second egg wash halfway through baking.
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean edges and uniform pastry shapes.
If using frozen pastries, allow the oven to fully preheat before baking to ensure proper puffing.

FAQs

Can I make these pastries ahead of time?: Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate for a few hours before baking, or freeze them unbaked and bake directly from frozen with additional cooking time.
What if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?: Cheddar, Swiss, or Emmental cheese are great substitutes and will still offer delicious melted cheesy flavor.
Can I use freshly sliced ham instead of deli ham?: Freshly sliced ham works well but slicing it thin helps it cook evenly and stay tender inside the pastry.
Is Dijon mustard necessary?: While optional, Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that enhances the ham and cheese, but you can omit it if preferred.
How can I tell when the pastries are done?: Look for a golden brown, puffed exterior and melted cheese visible through the pastry folds for perfectly baked pastries.
Can I add other fillings?: Absolutely! Spinach, caramelized onions, or mushrooms pair well for a variation on this savory pastry.
How should I store leftovers?: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat them in the oven for best texture.