These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Sandwiches are not only visually impressive but also irresistibly delicious! They combine buttery, flaky layers of puff pastry with melty cheese and savory ham, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack. Here’s how to make these delightful pastries step-by-step:
Ingredients:
- 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed (store-bought or homemade)
- 8-10 slices of ham (use your favorite variety, like honey ham or smoked ham)
- 8-10 slices of cheese (such as Swiss, cheddar, or provolone)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (to mix with egg for the wash)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard or mayonnaise (optional, for spreading)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the puff pastry from sticking and to make for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of puff pastry into a large rectangle, about 10×12 inches (or slightly larger, depending on your sheet size). You want the sheets to be evenly rolled to ensure consistent baking.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Place one sheet of the rolled-out puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet.
- If using mustard or mayonnaise, spread a thin layer evenly over the puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Layer the ham slices evenly over the puff pastry, followed by the cheese slices. You can alternate the layers of ham and cheese for a more even distribution.
- If desired, sprinkle a small amount of black pepper over the cheese layer for added flavor.
- Top with Second Puff Pastry Sheet:
- Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the ham and cheese layers, aligning it with the edges of the bottom sheet.
- Press down gently around the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges all the way around the rectangle, ensuring the filling stays inside while baking.
- Score and Add the Egg Wash:
- Using a sharp knife, gently score the top puff pastry sheet in a crosshatch or diagonal pattern. Be careful not to cut through to the filling; you’re just creating a decorative pattern that will help release steam during baking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush this mixture evenly over the top of the puff pastry. This will give the sandwiches a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- If the top browns too quickly, you can tent it lightly with foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Slice:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the puff pastry cool for a few minutes on the sheet.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the pastry into squares or rectangles. Serve warm and enjoy the flaky, cheesy goodness!
Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Sandwiches:
- Customize the Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different meats like turkey or chicken and cheeses such as Gruyère or mozzarella. You can also add a layer of sautéed spinach or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Prevent Soggy Pastry: If your ham or cheese has a lot of moisture, pat them dry with a paper towel before layering to prevent the pastry from getting soggy.
- Use Cold Pastry: Puff pastry works best when it’s cold, so if it becomes too soft while assembling, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before baking.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: These pastries pair wonderfully with Dijon mustard, honey mustard, or a simple garlic aioli for dipping.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Sandwiches as a main dish with a side salad or soup, or cut them into smaller pieces for a delicious appetizer at your next gathering. They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can also reheat leftovers in the oven or toaster oven to maintain that crisp, flaky texture.
Enjoy your homemade ham and cheese puff pastry sandwiches!