Hey y'all! Ready to wow your taste buds and impress your friends? These Irresistibly Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks bring together golden, buttery puff pastry with melty cheese and savory ham in every bite. Perfect for a party snack, quick lunch, or even an easy brunch, these stacks disappear in minutes! Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Crispy, flaky layers of pastry with gooey cheese and smoky ham.
- Super easy to assemble with minimal prep time—great for busy days or last-minute guests.
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses, deli meats, and toppings.
- Perfect finger food for entertaining, brunches, or after-school snacks.
- Freezer-friendly and easy to reheat for make-ahead convenience.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 8 ounces), thawed
- 4 ounces sliced deli ham
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to a 12 x 12-inch square. Cut the sheet into 9 equal squares (each about 4 x 4 inches).
Step 2: Layer the Stacks
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (if using) on half of the pastry squares. Top with a layer of sliced ham and a generous sprinkle of shredded Gruyère cheese. Place another pastry square on top to create a stack. Press the edges lightly to seal, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining squares.
Step 3: Egg Wash & Bake
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the tops of each pastry stack with the egg wash and sprinkle with black pepper. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the stacks are puffed up and golden brown.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Let the stacks cool for 2-3 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Keep puff pastry cold until you're ready to use it for maximum flakiness.
- Don't over-stuff the stacks or they may burst open while baking.
- For extra melty cheese, shred it freshly instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
Variations
- Turkey & Cheddar Stacks: Swap ham for sliced turkey and use sharp cheddar cheese.
- Spinach & Feta Stacks: Add a handful of chopped spinach and crumbled feta for a vegetarian option.
- Pepper Jack & Jalapeño Stacks: Use pepper jack cheese and a few slices of pickled jalapeño for a spicy twist.
Required Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Pastry brush
Storage Instructions
Store cooled ham & Cheese Puff Pastry stacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. For longer storage, freeze the baked stacks for up to 1 month and reheat directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to baking time.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Pair with a fresh green salad or classic tomato soup for a complete meal.
- Serve as party appetizers with a side of honey mustard or spicy aioli for dipping.
- Great addition to brunch spreads alongside fruit salad or mimosas.
Pro Tips
- Use a pizza cutter for even pastry squares and less drag than a knife.
- Chill assembled stacks in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking for even puffing.
- If making ahead, assemble and freeze unbaked stacks; bake from frozen, adding 4-5 minutes to baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes! Any meltable cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss works well in this recipe.
- Do I need to thaw the puff pastry first?
- Absolutely—make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed (but still cold) for easy rolling and best results.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate or freeze the stacks, then bake just before serving to keep them crispy and fresh.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 9 stacks
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 8 ounces), thawed
- 4 ounces sliced deli ham
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to a 12 x 12-inch square. Cut the sheet into 9 equal squares (each about 4 x 4 inches).
-
2Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (if using) on half of the pastry squares. Top with a layer of sliced ham and a generous sprinkle of shredded Gruyère cheese. Place another pastry square on top to create a stack. Press the edges lightly to seal, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining squares.
-
3In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the tops of each pastry stack with the egg wash and sprinkle with black pepper. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the stacks are puffed up and golden brown.
-
4Let the stacks cool for 2-3 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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