These Savory Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites are a delicious combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese, savory ham, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or part of a brunch spread, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and sure to impress with their crispy, golden crust and flavorful filling.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12-15 bites
Ingredients
- 500 g puff pastry dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 100 g ham, diced
- 100 g cream cheese
- 100 g cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella), grated
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 100 g mayonnaise
- 100 g sour cream
- 10 g garlic, minced
- 2 g lemon peel, grated
- 10 g parsley, chopped
- 10 ml lemon juice
- 2 g salt
- 2 g black pepper
Directions
1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until smooth and even.
- Cut the pastry into small squares or rectangles, depending on the size of the bites you want to make.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, cream cheese, and grated cheese. Stir until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon peel, and lemon juice. Add the salt and black pepper to taste, then mix until smooth.
- Combine the creamy mixture with the ham and cheese. Stir in the chopped parsley for added freshness and flavor.
3. Assemble the Bites:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Spoon a generous amount of the filling into the center of each puff pastry square.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle, rectangle, or other desired shape. Use a fork to press down the edges to seal them securely.
- Brush the tops of the filled pastries with the egg wash (1 beaten egg) to give them a shiny, golden finish once baked.
4. Bake the Puff Pastry Bites:
- Place the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and allow the pastries to cool for a few minutes.
- Serve warm as a snack, appetizer, or brunch option.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these savory puff pastry bites with a fresh salad for a light lunch.
- Pair with a side of dipping sauces like ranch, garlic butter, or honey mustard.
- Serve with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a delightful party snack.
- Enjoy with a variety of pickled vegetables on the side for an added crunch.
- Perfect for a picnic or outdoor gathering.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure your puff pastry is cold before working with it. This helps it stay flaky during baking.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses—brie, mozzarella, or gouda would all be excellent choices.
- For a more indulgent treat, you can add a layer of melted butter on top of the pastries before baking for extra richness.
- If you prefer a slightly tangy flavor, you can add a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the filling mix.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Ham is a good source of protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc.
- Cheese provides calcium and protein, which are essential for bone health and muscle function.
- Parsley is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, helping to support the immune system.
- Garlic has numerous health benefits, including antibacterial properties and the ability to support cardiovascular health.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian-friendly: No (due to the ham).
- Gluten-free: Not gluten-free (unless using gluten-free puff pastry).
- Dairy-free: Not dairy-free (contains cheese and cream).
- Nut-free: Yes.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, 1 puff pastry bite):
- Calories: 150-180 kcal
- Protein: 6-8 g
- Carbs: 12-15 g
- Fat: 10-12 g
- Sodium: 200-250 mg
Storage:
- Store: These puff pastry bites can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
- Reheat: To reheat, place the bites in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
- Freeze: If you have leftovers or want to prepare them in advance, you can freeze the unbaked puff pastry bites. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Crispy and flaky: The puff pastry provides a light, buttery, and flaky texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy, savory filling.
- Easy to make: With only a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to whip up for any occasion.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the ham for other meats, like turkey or chicken, or use a vegetarian filling for a meatless version.
- Perfect for any event: Whether it’s a family gathering, brunch, or party, these puff pastry bites are a hit every time.
Conclusion:
These Savory Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites are the ultimate in convenience, flavor, and texture. With a buttery, flaky pastry and a rich, creamy filling, they make the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. You can prepare them ahead of time, store them for later, and enjoy them warm or at room temperature. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, these bites are sure to be a favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe? Yes! You can use any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda.
- Can I make these puff pastry bites ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, you can freeze them unbaked for later.
- Can I use a puff pastry sheet from the store? Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry works great for this recipe and saves time.
- Can I make these puff pastry bites vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the ham and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian filling.
- How can I make these puff pastry bites spicier? You can add a pinch of chili flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Can I bake these puff pastry bites at a lower temperature? It’s best to bake them at 180°C (350°F) for optimal crispiness, but you can try baking at 170°C (340°F) if you prefer.
- Can I make these puff pastry bites without sour cream? Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or just use extra mayonnaise if you prefer.
- How do I store leftover puff pastry bites? Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
- Can I freeze these puff pastry bites? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked puff pastry bites. Bake from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy.
- How do I make the puff pastry bites more golden? Make sure to brush the pastry with an egg wash before baking to give them a beautiful golden finish.