Introduction

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry is a delightful and easy-to-make snack or light meal that combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy ham, spinach, and Swiss cheese filling. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in, this dish balances rich flavors with a satisfying texture.

Three golden-brown puff pastry squares sit on a white marbled surface, each with folded corners forming a small, open pocket. Inside, there is a creamy white layer of melted cheese mixed with bits of light pink ham and small pieces of green spinach visible near the center. The pastry has a crispy, flaky texture with some areas slightly darker from baking, contrasting with the smooth and gooey cheese filling. The folds of the pastry rise slightly above the filling, giving each square a soft, layered look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup whole milk, room temperature
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 cups cooked ham, diced
2 cups fresh spinach
1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, grated and divided
1 large egg white, lightly beaten

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Cut the thawed puff pastry sheets into 5-inch (13cm) squares. Place them in the refrigerator to keep chilled while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Make the roux by melting butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the flour and kosher salt, and cook for 1 minute while stirring frequently.
Step 4: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and comes to a boil.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
Step 6: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook for about 1 minute until wilted.
Step 7: Stir in the diced ham and 1 cup of the grated Swiss cheese. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 8: Arrange the puff pastry squares evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 9: Place a heaping spoonful of the ham and cheese mixture onto each square and sprinkle with the remaining grated Swiss cheese.
Step 10: Fold the corners of each pastry square up toward the center to form a smaller square.
Step 11: Brush each puff pastry with the beaten egg white, coating all sides to help achieve a golden finish.
Step 12: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the puff pastries are puffed and golden brown.

Tips & Variations

Use cooked turkey or chicken instead of ham for a different protein option.
Sauté the spinach with garlic before adding it to the sauce for extra flavor.
Try Gruyère or cheddar cheese as a substitute for Swiss cheese for a sharper taste.
Keep the puff pastry squares cold until just before filling to ensure maximum flakiness.

Storage

Store leftover puff pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows two golden brown puff pastries on a round white plate. Each pastry is folded into a triangular shape with crimped edges, showing a creamy white filling inside with visible bits of green spinach and small pieces of pink ham, giving a mix of soft creamy and flaky golden textures. The pastries are placed side by side on the plate, which sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth and a silver fork beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling a day in advance?

Yes, you can make the ham and cheese filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before assembling to keep the spinach fresh and the sauce smooth.

What if I don’t have Swiss cheese?

Swiss cheese can be substituted with other mild melting cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or even cheddar depending on your preference. Each will give a slightly different but delicious flavor.