Description
Delight in these Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hearts, a perfect blend of flaky puff pastry filled with savory ham, melted cheese, and optional Dijon mustard for a tangy twist. Easy to prepare and bake, these charming heart-shaped pastries make an impressive appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
Filling
- 1 cup sliced ham (deli or leftover cooked ham)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional, for added flavor)
Finishing
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent the pastries from sticking.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to about 1/8-inch thickness to create a thin, even base for your pastries.
- Cut Out Hearts: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many shapes as possible from the rolled puff pastry. Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced ham, shredded cheese, and optional Dijon mustard. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste. Add fresh herbs if desired for extra flavor.
- Assemble Pastries: Place a spoonful of the ham and cheese mixture in the center of half of the puff pastry hearts, leaving enough space around the edges to seal properly.
- Seal Pastries: Top those with the remaining heart-shaped puff pastry cutouts. Press the edges together to seal in the filling, then use a fork to crimp and decorate the edges, ensuring the filling doesn’t leak out during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the sealed pastries with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown, glossy finish once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is risen and golden brown to perfection.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pastries from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Thaw puff pastry completely before rolling for easier handling.
- You can substitute the ham with cooked bacon, turkey, or plant-based alternatives as preferred.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, Gruyere, or pepper jack for varied flavors.
- The Dijon mustard is optional but adds a pleasant tang that complements the ham and cheese.
- Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives can enhance the flavor if added to the filling.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a toaster oven for crispiness.
