Description
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks deliver crispy, golden layers of pure comfort right from your kitchen. Flaky pastry, melted cheese, and salty ham create a quick bite perfect for afternoon snacking or entertaining friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein/Meat:
- 6 slices deli ham
Cheese/Dairy:
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 egg
Pastry/Seasonings:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a clean surface. Slice into 8 equal rectangles using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, ensuring precise and even cuts.
- Select 4 rectangles and spread 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard across each one. Layer 1 slice of Swiss cheese and 1-2 slices of ham on top of the mustard.
- Carefully place the remaining 4 pastry rectangles on top of the ham and cheese. Use your fingertips to gently press and seal the edges, creating compact pastry sandwiches.
- Crack 1 whole egg into a small bowl and whisk thoroughly. Brush the egg wash generously over each pastry stack, covering the entire surface.
- Sprinkle ½ teaspoon sesame seeds and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder across the tops of the pastry stacks for added texture and flavor.
- Transfer the pastry stacks onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart. Bake for 14-16 minutes until the edges turn deep golden brown and the pastry rises dramatically.
- Remove from the oven and let the stacks rest for 3-4 minutes on the baking sheet. Transfer to a wire cooling rack to prevent soggy bottoms.
Notes
- Cheese Selection: Pick a cheese that melts beautifully like Gruyère or cheddar for maximum flavor and gooey texture.
- Mustard Tip: The Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick, but you can skip it if your family prefers a milder taste.
- Crimping Technique: Press fork edges firmly to seal the pastry and prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry sheets for a celiac-friendly version of this snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Ham
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg