Go Back
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed) - 1 cup cooked ham, diced into small pieces - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a tasty and easy snack. The puff pastry is light and flaky. The ham adds a savory flavor, while the cheese brings creaminess. You will love how simple this recipe is! If you do not have ham, you can use cooked chicken or turkey instead. For cheese, try mozzarella or gouda for a different taste. If you need a lighter option, you can use low-fat cream cheese. Instead of Dijon mustard, yellow mustard works too if that’s what you have. - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Rolling pin - Medium mixing bowl - Fork - Wire rack These tools help you make the recipe easily. A wire rack cools the squares well, while the parchment paper makes cleanup simple. Grab your tools, and let's get cooking! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step helps ensure your pastry bakes evenly. Next, take a sheet of thawed puff pastry and lay it on a floured surface. Gently roll it out with a rolling pin. This smooths out any creases. After that, cut the pastry into four equal squares, each about 4 to 5 inches. In a medium bowl, combine the diced cooked ham, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese. Add one tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a zesty kick. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until it forms a creamy filling. This blend is what makes your squares rich and tasty. Take one puff pastry square and place a generous tablespoon of the ham and cheese filling on one half. Make sure to leave a 1/2 inch border around the edges. This space is crucial for sealing. Now, fold the other half of the pastry over the filling. Press the edges firmly to seal them. Use a fork to crimp the edges, which prevents any filling from leaking out while baking. Brush the tops of each puff pastry square with a beaten egg. This gives them a lovely golden color. Place the filled squares on a lined baking sheet, spaced apart. Bake them in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. They are done when they puff up and turn golden brown. Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. To get that nice golden color, brush the tops with egg wash. Use a beaten egg right before baking. This gives the pastry a rich shine. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Watch for a golden hue; it means they are ready. To stop the filling from leaking, leave a 1/2 inch border when adding the filling. Press the edges firmly together after folding the pastry. Use a fork to crimp the edges well. This helps keep the filling inside while baking. These squares are great hot or warm. Serve them with a side of mustard or a fresh salad. For a nice touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. It adds color and flavor. You can also pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard. {{image_4}} To make vegetarian puff pastry squares, swap the ham for veggies. Use diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. These add great flavor and color. Mix in some feta cheese for a salty kick. You can also use a mix of your favorite cheeses. This keeps your dish creamy and rich without meat. Explore different flavors with your puff pastry squares. Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling. A bit of garlic powder can enhance the taste too. If you like a spicy kick, add some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Mixing in roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes also works well. Each of these options can create a unique twist! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free puff pastry. Many brands offer this option now. Check your local store or online to find it. You can also make your own using almond flour or rice flour. Just ensure your other ingredients, like cheese and mustard, are gluten-free. Enjoy the same delicious taste while being mindful of dietary needs. After enjoying your Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Squares, you may have leftovers. To store them right, let the squares cool first. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you prefer, wrap each square in plastic wrap. This helps prevent them from drying out. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the puff pastry squares on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they feel warm and crispy again. This method helps preserve their flaky texture. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry. Just heat on medium for 30 seconds to 1 minute. However, this may make them a bit soft. Freezing your Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Squares is simple and effective. After they cool, wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy reference. They can stay in the freezer for up to two months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven for the best results. Enjoy your tasty snack anytime! If you don’t have puff pastry, try using phyllo dough. It will give you a nice crunch. You can also use pie crust for a different texture. Just keep in mind that these options will change the taste a bit. Yes, you can make these squares ahead of time. Prepare them and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just bake them when you're ready to serve. They taste best fresh out of the oven. Look for a deep golden color on the tops. The squares should puff up nicely. If they are golden and crispy, they are ready. You can also check the bottom; it should be firm and light brown. In this post, I shared how to make ham and cheese puff pastry squares. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You now know how to assemble and bake these tasty treats. Consider different variations for your next meal, too. Finally, remember to store leftovers correctly for the best taste. With this guide, you can create delicious puff pastry squares with ease. Enjoy the fun and flavor of cooking!

Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Squares

Indulge in these Cheesy Ham Delight Puff Pastry Squares for a quick and delicious snack! With a savory filling of ham, cheddar, and cream cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry, they’re perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Discover how to whip up these tasty treats in just 35 minutes. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your snack game today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)

1 cup cooked ham, diced into small pieces

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

    Lay the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to gently roll out the pastry, smoothing out any creases. Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares, approximately 4-5 inches each side.

      In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is thoroughly blended and creamy.

        Take each puff pastry square and place a generous tablespoon of the ham and cheese filling on one half, leaving a border of about 1/2 inch around the edges to ensure they seal properly.

          Carefully fold the other half of the puff pastry over the filling to form a pocket. Press the edges together firmly to seal, and then use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges, reinforcing the closure to prevent any filling from leaking while baking.

            Brush the tops of each puff pastry square with the beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden color during baking.

              Arrange the filled squares on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart to allow for puffing. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the squares are golden brown and puffed up to perfection.

                Once they are done baking, remove the squares from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes, ensuring they set a bit before serving.

                  Just before serving, sprinkle the tops with finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4 squares