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Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks

Flaky, golden-brown puff pastry squares loaded with savory deli ham and gooey melted Gruyère cheese, topped with coarse salt and fresh chives.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 9 stacks
Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American, French Inspired
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pastry & Filling
  • 2 sheets frozen puff pastry thawed
  • 0.75 lb deli ham thinly sliced (Black Forest recommended)
  • 2 cups Gruyère or Swiss cheese shredded
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard optional
  • 1 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
Topping
  • 1 large egg beaten with 1 tbsp water for egg wash
  • 1 tsp coarse sea salt for sprinkling
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Unroll one sheet of thawed puff pastry and place it directly onto the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
  4. Layer half of the shredded cheese, all of the sliced ham, and then the remaining cheese evenly over the pastry base.
  5. Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the filling and press down the edges firmly to seal.
  6. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the large pastry into 9 even squares right on the pan.
  7. Brush the top entirely with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  9. Remove from oven, immediately sprinkle with fresh chives, let cool for 5 minutes, and serve warm.

Notes

Keep your puff pastry as cold as possible before baking to ensure maximum flakiness.