Cheese and Ham Puff Pastry Bites

Cheese and ham puff pastry bites are filled with deli ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy Dijon sauce in golden, crispy puff pastry sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning.

Ham and cheese puff pastry bites are a versatile appetizer that works for just about any occasion. Serve them alongside other finger foods at Christmas gatherings, add them to your Easter brunch menu, or make a batch as a New Year’s Eve appetizer. They’re also a great way to use leftover holiday ham after Christmas or Easter dinner.

Ingredients

• Puff Pastry
• Thinly Sliced Deli Ham
• Swiss Cheese
• Cream Cheese
• Dijon Mustard
• Garlic Powder
• Black Pepper
• Large Egg
• Water
• Everything Bagel Seasoning or Poppy Seeds

How to Make Cheese and Ham Puff Pastry Bites

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.

• Unfold each puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 16 equal squares. Dock the dough by pricking the surface of each puff pastry square all over with a fork. This prevents them from puffing up too much and opening as they bake.

• Spread approximately 1 teaspoon of the Dijon cream cheese mixture onto one half of each pastry square, leaving a ½-inch border. Add a small slice of Swiss cheese. Fold the deli ham and place over the spread.
• In a small dish, whisk together the egg and water. Use the egg wash to help moisten and seal the pastry square as you fold two opposite corners to overlap in the center.

• Brush egg wash over the tops of the turnovers. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning or poppy seeds.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes, until deeply golden brown and puffed. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Making Cheese and ham Puff Pastry Bites

Keep the puff pastry cold. Thaw the puff pastry according to the package directions, but keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the bites. Cold pastry is easier to work with and creates flaky, buttery layers as it bakes.

Avoid overfilling. Use just enough ham and cheese to fill each pastry bite without overflowing. Too much filling can make it difficult to seal the pastry and cause the cheese to leak out during baking.

Seal the edges well. If folding the puff pastry over the filling, use a little egg wash to help the edges stick together. Fold over by at least ½″. Press firmly to keep the filling inside as the pastry puffs up.

Don’t skip the egg wash. Brushing the tops of the puff pastry with egg wash gives them a beautiful golden-brown, glossy finish.

Bake until golden and crisp. Puff pastry should be deeply golden brown and crisp on the outside. Watch the ham edges because it can cook quickly at the end.

Serve warm. These ham and cheese puff pastry bites taste best fresh from the oven while the pastry is flaky and the cheese is melted.

Make them ahead of time. Assemble the bites a few hours in advance and refrigerate them, covered, until ready to bake. Brush with egg wash just before placing them in the oven.

Storing leftovers. Store leftover ham and cheese puff pastry bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat leftover bites. Bake in the oven at 350°F for approximately 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving them because the pastry can become soft and chewy.

Substitutions and Variations

Change the cheese. Swiss cheese pairs especially well with ham, but cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, and provolone are also delicious options.

Try honey mustard. For a slightly sweeter variation, use honey mustard in place of Dijon mustard or serve it as a dipping sauce.

Use leftover holiday ham. These puff pastry bites are a great way to use leftover Christmas or Easter ham. Dice it into small pieces so it fits easily inside the pastry. If you happen to have a meat slicer, you can slice your own thin deli-style slices.

Change the seasoning. Sprinkle with poppy seeds or sesame seeds over the egg-washed pastry before baking for extra flavor and texture.

For more easy party appetizers, try my French Onion Tartlets, Sausage Cranberry Pinwheels, Ham, Gruyère & Cranberry Puff Pastry Cups, or Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Bites. They’re all delicious finger foods for holiday gatherings!