Easy Holiday Appetizer – Ham and Cheese Puff

Are you enjoying the holiday recipes that I’ve been sharing in the past few weeks?  I certainly hope so.  If you’ve missed any of them, simply check out the previous posts on my blog.  You might have noticed that I have shared quite a bit of desserts and sweet treats.  So today, it’s time for some savory treats.  Check out this Easy Holiday Appetizer: Ham and Cheese Puff. 



Don’t they look gorgeous and dramatic?  However, they are significantly less complicated to prepare than they look!   Shhh….you don’t have to tell anyone how easy and simple it is to make them.  If you haven’t already done so, watch the YouTube video tutorial at the beginning of this post.  You’ll want to run to the kitchen and make some right the way!   



These Ham and Cheese Puffs has a flaky and buttery crust, along with a cheesy and meaty fillings, with a hint of smoky flavor from the smoked Gouda cheese.  You can certainly use any cheese, but the smoked Gouda is really one of my favorites!  Its smoky flavor inside these puffs is just amazing!  I also used uncured deli ham for the fillings.  Again, you can substitute with turkey, or chicken breast, etc.  Just make sure the meat is thinly sliced so it heats up evenly during the baking process. 



I hope that you enjoyed today’s recipe and video tutorial.  These Ham and Cheese Puffs will certainly make a wonderful party appetizer, so please give them a try soon!

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Tools and Ingredients Used:
Puff Pastry (Click here for more information)
Smoked Gouda (Click here for more information)
Uncured Ham (Click here for more information)
Pizza Wheel (Click here for more information)
Cooling Racks (Click here for more information)
Baking Sheets (Click here for more information)
Silpat (Click here for more information)






Easy Holiday Appetizer –  Ham and Cheese Puff Makes: 16 servings
1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, thawed
small amount of flour for dusting and rolling
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
6 ounces uncured deli ham, sliced
4 ounces smoked Guoda cheese, grated
1 egg yolk, for egg wash
2 teaspoons heavy cream, for egg wash

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking pan with silpat or parchment paper, set aside.

Lightly dust a clean working surface with flour and unfold 1 sheet of puff pastry. With a rolling pin, gently roll the pastry to flatten the seams. With a pizza cutter (or small sharp knife), cut the puff pastry in half, lengthwise. With the back of a spoon, spread 1 tablespoon of mustard in the center, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge.

Sprinkle half of the grated cheese on top of the mustard evenly. Top with half of the ham slices. Then, cover with the other half of the puff pastry. With a fork, gently press along the edges to seal the pastry together. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining sheet of puff pastry and ingredients.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and heavy cream. Brush the top of both pastry with the egg wash and cut a few slits on top to allow steam to escape during baking.

Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Cool on wire rack for a few minutes, cut into small squares, and serve hot/warm.