Hey y’all! If you’re looking for an appetizer that’ll wow your guests and satisfy every craving, these Crispy Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites are your new go-to. With golden, flaky layers, gooey melted cheese, and savory ham in every bite, these little treats are deliciously addictive and perfect for game days, holiday parties, picnics, or a fun family snack night. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Crispy Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites Recipe
- Quick to make using just a few simple ingredients, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Crowd-pleasing and perfect for parties, gatherings, or lunchbox snacks.
- The combination of flaky pastry, melted cheese, and salty ham is absolutely irresistible.
- Easy to customize with your favorite cheeses or fillings.
- No fancy skills required—just assemble, bake, and enjoy!
Ingredients for Crispy Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 8–9 oz), thawed
- 4 oz thinly sliced ham (about 6 slices), chopped
- 4 oz shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère work great!)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
How to Make Crispy Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll out the puff pastry sheet into a 10x12-inch rectangle.
Step 2: Assemble Puff Pastry Bites
- Brush the surface of the puff pastry with Dijon mustard, if using.
- Evenly sprinkle the chopped ham and shredded cheese over the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border on all sides.
Step 3: Cut and Shape
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the sheet into 24 small squares or rectangles.
- Carefully transfer the pieces to your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 4: Egg Wash & Topping
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
- Brush each piece with the egg wash and sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds, if desired.
Step 5: Bake Crispy Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the bites are puffed up and deeply golden brown.
- Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then serve warm and crispy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Notes for Perfect Crispy Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
- For best results, keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it—this helps create flaky layers (source).
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Experiment with different cheeses like fontina or mozzarella for a unique flavor twist.
Variations on Crispy Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
- Turkey & Swiss: Swap the ham for sliced turkey and use Swiss cheese for a lighter bite.
- Veggie Delight: Add finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese for heat.
Required Equipment for Crispy Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Mixing bowl (for egg wash)
How to Store Crispy Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
- Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To re-crisp, bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.
- Freeze baked bites for up to 1 month; thaw and reheat as above.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Puff Pastry Bites
- Serve with honey mustard, ranch, or spicy aioli for dipping.
- Pair with sparkling wine, iced tea, or a crisp lager for a perfect appetizer spread.
- Great alongside a fresh green salad or as part of a charcuterie board.
Pro Tips for Crispy Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
- Cut puff pastry with a sharp knife for clean edges—avoid dragging for best rise (learn more).
- Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet—air circulation is key to browning.
- Let bites cool slightly before serving so the cheese sets and doesn’t ooze out.
FAQ – Crispy Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
- Can I make these puff pastry bites ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 1 day ahead, then bake fresh for best results.
- Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
- Absolutely—just make sure it’s a good melting cheese for best texture.
- Are these bites freezer-friendly?
- Yes, bake them first, cool completely, and freeze in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat in the oven for crispy results.
For more details on choosing quality puff pastry, check out this guide.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 100 g sliced ham, chopped
- 100 g shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth the seams and slightly enlarge it.
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3Spread Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry. Sprinkle chopped ham and shredded cheddar cheese on top. Season with black pepper and parsley if using.
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4Cut the pastry into 16 equal squares. Fold each square into a triangle or rectangle, pinching the edges to seal.
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5Beat the egg with milk to make an egg wash. Brush each pastry bite with the egg wash and place on the prepared baking sheet.
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6Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Let cool slightly before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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