Chef Mitchell preparing Savory Ham Cheese Pastry
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this recipe while experimenting in my small Parisian kitchen. The combination of ham and cheese wrapped in flaky pastry quickly became a family favorite. Over the years, I've perfected the balance of flavors, and now I love sharing this delicious treat with friends and family. It's a recipe that brings everyone together and sparks joy."

As a culinary professional with over a decade of experience in French cuisine, I specialize in creating delightful snack recipes. My passion for baking shines through in every dish, particularly in my savory pastries. I love to explore traditional French techniques while adding my unique twist.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Savory Ham Cheese Pastry served on a plate

Why This Savory Ham Cheese Pastry Recipe Works

This recipe combines high-quality ingredients to create a perfectly flaky pastry that encases a savory, gooey filling. The combination of ham and cheese ensures a rich flavor that pleases everyone. Additionally, the use of puff pastry makes it easy and accessible for home cooks.

The technique of sealing the pastries properly prevents any filling from leaking while baking, ensuring a beautiful presentation. Baking at the right temperature guarantees the pastry puffs perfectly, achieving that desired golden-brown color and crispy texture.

💡 Professional Tip

For best results, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This allows for a smoother filling and better incorporation of flavors. Additionally, don't crowd the baking sheet; giving each pastry enough space ensures even cooking and browning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! You can prepare the pastries in advance and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply assemble them and cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy, just bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

If you don't have cream cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Both will provide a creamy texture and blend well with the other ingredients, maintaining the flavor balance of the filling.

Your pastries are done when they are golden brown and puffed up. You can also check the bottom; it should be crisp and golden as well. If you see any filling bubbling out, that's a good sign that they're perfectly cooked inside.

Yes, these pastries freeze very well! You can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the pastries and place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

These pastries pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, like a mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as a honey mustard or a tangy homemade aioli, to complement the savory flavors.

When stored in an airtight container, these pastries will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven for the best results to regain some of that crispiness.

Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Assemble the pastries just before baking to ensure maximum freshness and flaky texture.

The best way to reheat these pastries is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore the crispiness and warmth without making them soggy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your pastries turn out dry, they might not have enough moisture in the filling.

Solution: Consider adding a bit more cream cheese or a splash of milk to the filling to keep it moist and creamy.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: Pastries can be soggy if they are baked on a cold baking sheet or if the filling is too wet.

Solution: Always preheat your baking sheet for a few minutes in the oven before placing your pastries on it. This helps to create a crispy bottom crust.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If your pastries are overcooked, they may become too hard or burnt.

Prevention: Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking and use a timer to prevent overcooking. Remove them from the oven as soon as they reach a golden brown color.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center is undercooked, the pastry might look golden but still be raw inside.

Recovery: Lower your oven temperature and extend the baking time to ensure the inside cooks through without burning the exterior.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The outside of the pastries may burn before the inside is cooked.

Prevention: Baking at a lower temperature can help prevent this, or covering the pastries loosely with aluminum foil halfway through the baking process.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the pastries taste too sweet, it could be due to excess cream cheese or a sweet pastry.

Too Salty: To fix overly salty pastries, consider using less salt in the filling or balancing it with a sweet dipping sauce.

Bland: To enhance bland flavors, add more herbs or spices to the filling to boost the overall taste.

Fresh ingredients for Savory Ham Cheese Pastry

Essential Ingredients for Savory Ham Cheese Pastry

Using high-quality ingredients is crucial for the best flavor and texture in your pastries. The combination of savory ham and rich cheeses creates a delicious filling that melts beautifully. Puff pastry adds a light, flaky texture that elevates the overall dish.

Opt for fresh and flavorful cheeses like Gruyère or sharp cheddar for a delightful taste. Additionally, using freshly chopped herbs enhances the aroma and flavor profile, making your pastries stand out.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Puff Pastry: Choose a high-quality, all-butter puff pastry for the best flaky results. Ensure it’s cold when you roll it out, as this will help achieve that perfect rise during baking.
  • Diced Ham: Select a good quality ham, preferably from the deli for the best flavor. Avoid pre-packaged ham as it may contain preservatives that affect the taste.
  • Cheeses: A mix of cheeses can add depth to the filling. Combining a creamy cheese like cream cheese with a sharper cheese adds flavor complexity and ensures a gooey texture when melted.
Cooking process for Savory Ham Cheese Pastry

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Savory Ham Cheese Pastry is straightforward and perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. Start by preparing the filling while the oven heats up, ensuring flavors meld together beautifully.

Proper assembly and sealing of the pastries will lead to better results in the oven. Bake until golden brown for the best texture, and enjoy these delightful snacks warm for maximum flavor.

Key Technique for Perfect Savory Ham Cheese Pastry

The key to achieving a perfect Savory Ham Cheese Pastry lies in the sealing technique. Ensure all edges are tightly sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out during the baking process. This not only keeps the filling intact but also helps maintain the pastry's structure and appearance.

Savory Ham Cheese Pastry

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 2 tbsp flour
    All-purpose
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
    For richness
  • Salt and pepper
    To taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs ham
    Diced
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese
    Shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese
    Shredded
  • 1/4 cup mustard
    Dijon preferred
  • 1 egg
    For egg wash
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley
    Chopped
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
    For seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    To taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Prepare Puff Pastry

    Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.

  3. Make Filling

    In a bowl, mix diced ham, shredded cheese, cream cheese, green onions, Dijon mustard, black pepper, salt, and parsley.

  4. Assemble Pastries

    Cut the puff pastry into squares. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each square.

  5. Fold and Seal

    Fold the pastry over the filling to form triangles and seal the edges with a fork.

  6. Apply Egg Wash

    Brush the tops of the pastries with beaten egg for a golden finish.

  7. Bake

    Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden.

  8. Cool and Serve

    Let the pastries cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep your Savory Ham Cheese Pastries fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to four days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

These pastries are best served warm and can be complemented with a dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or spicy aioli. Pair them with a light salad for a complete meal or serve them as a delicious appetizer at your next gathering.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or goat cheese, or add ingredients like sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a different flavor. For a spicy twist, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling.