A Simple Homemade Recipe for Any Time of the Day. This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bake is a quick and satisfying homemade meal made with flaky puff pastry, diced ham, and melted cheddar cheese. With only a few simple ingredients, it bakes into a golden, crispy pastry that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or sharing as a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 puff pastry sheets
- ¾ pound ham, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet and set it aside.
- Allow the puff pastry sheets to thaw completely. Place one sheet on the prepared baking tray and gently roll it out if needed to create an even surface.
- Spread the diced ham evenly over the pastry, leaving about a 1-inch border around all sides. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the ham.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water until well combined.
- Brush the exposed border of the bottom pastry with the egg wash. Carefully place the second pastry sheet over the filling and press the edges together with your fingers or the tines of a fork to create a secure seal.
- Cut several small slits across the top pastry to allow steam to escape while baking. Brush the entire surface with the remaining egg wash.
- Bake on the center oven rack for approximately 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and evenly golden brown.
- Remove the pastry from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing into 8 equal pieces. Serve warm.
Notes
For an open-faced version, use one puff pastry sheet, lightly score a 1-inch border around the edges, and prick the center with a fork before adding the ham and cheese. This helps prevent the middle from puffing too much during baking. If using shortcrust pastry instead of puff pastry, expect a firmer and more crumbly texture. Depending on the pastry brand, partially baking the crust before adding the filling may help prevent a soggy base. A smaller batch can be made by using one puff pastry sheet divided into two portions for the top and bottom. Be careful not to overfill the pastry so it seals properly. Serve warm with your favorite condiments such as: Yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, Honey mustard, Garlic mayonnaise, Chipotle mayonnaise, Tomato chutney, Dill pickles, Bread and butter pickles, Pickled jalapeños, Basil pesto, Sriracha, Tabasco, Smoky chipotle sauce, or Cranberry sauce.
