Crispy Ham Cheese Puff (Printer-Friendly)

Golden puff pastry stacks filled with savory ham and melted cheese, ideal for brunch or snacks.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Main Components

01 - 2 sheets thawed puff pastry
02 - 8 slices thinly sliced ham
03 - 8 slices cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère)
04 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
05 - 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
06 - Flour for dusting

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking.
02 - Unfold the puff pastry sheets on the floured surface. Roll each sheet gently to smooth creases and achieve an even thickness of about 1/8 inch. Chill if pastry becomes too warm.
03 - Place one puff pastry sheet on the baking sheet. Arrange ham slices evenly, leaving a ½-inch border. Layer cheese slices evenly over the ham. If using, spread Dijon mustard lightly over the cheese.
04 - Cover with the second puff pastry sheet. Press gently around the edges to seal, then crimp edges with a fork. Brush the top with beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
05 - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is risen, deep golden brown, and edges are crispy. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
06 - Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Slice into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve warm.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Use high-quality all-butter puff pastry and always thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
02 - Cooling before slicing prevents cheese from oozing excessively.