Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer
A sophisticated yet simple baked appetizer featuring crispy, buttery puff pastry, savory Black Forest ham, and melted Gruyère cheese. Perfect for entertaining!
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen puff pastry 2 sheets, fully defrosted
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard Adds tangy depth
- 1/4 pound black forest ham thinly sliced from the deli
- 1/2 pound Gruyère cheese grated fresh from a block
- 1 whole egg for egg wash
- as needed flour for dusting work surface
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. High heat is essential for the pastry to rise correctly.
- Make the egg wash: Beat one egg with one tablespoon of water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Prep your work surface with a sheet of parchment paper and a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking.
- Unroll the first pastry sheet on the parchment, smoothing any creases gently.
- Spread Dijon mustard evenly across the sheet, leaving a clean one-inch border around all edges.
- Layer the ham over the mustard, then sprinkle the freshly grated Gruyère on top, staying within the border.
- Brush the one-inch border with egg wash to act as a seal.
- Lay the second pastry sheet on top, lining up the edges, and press down gently along the border to seal.
- Using a very sharp knife, trim the edges with a firm downward motion (do not drag the knife) to ensure the layers can rise.
- Brush the top with the remaining egg wash, cut three small steam vents in the center, and transfer the parchment to a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until fully puffed and deeply golden brown. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing into squares.
Notes
Don't skip the resting time! Letting the cheese set slightly ensures cleaner slices. To reheat, use a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispiness.