Baked Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Squares Recipe

Introduction

Baked Ham and Cheese Squares are a delicious and savory treat perfect for brunch, snacks, or a light meal. These flaky puff pastry pockets filled with creamy ham, cheese, and spinach offer a comforting combination that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (thawed at room temperature for about 40 minutes)
• 3 tablespoons salted butter (divided use)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 1 ½ cups fresh spinach (chopped, optional)
• ⅓ cup diced white onion or shallot
• 1 cup grated Swiss or Gouda cheese (divided use)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Remove thawed puff pastry from packaging and cut each sheet into four 5-inch squares. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onions and sauté for several minutes until softened and translucent. Set aside.
4. Step 4: Add the remaining butter to the saucepan. Once melted, stir in flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour turns a light golden brown.
5. Step 5: Whisk in ½ cup of milk until combined, then gradually whisk in the remaining milk. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, whisking occasionally to prevent lumps and burning.
6. Step 6: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in chopped spinach until wilted.
7. Step 7: Stir in the sautéed onions, diced ham, and half of the grated cheese.
8. Step 8: Place puff pastry squares on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
9. Step 9: Spoon about two tablespoons of the ham and cheese mixture onto the center of each square.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the filling on each square.
11. Step 11: Fold the corners of each square into the center, forming a pocket over the filling.
12. Step 12: Whisk the egg and water together to create an egg wash. Brush the wash over the top of each folded pastry.
13. Step 13: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and fully cooked.
14. Step 14: Allow the squares to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add extra spinach or sautéed mushrooms.
• Use different cheese varieties like cheddar or mozzarella for a twist on flavor.
• Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed to prevent cracking when folding.
• Serve warm with a side of mustard or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Storage

Store leftover baked squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these squares ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the squares and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake as directed.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

This recipe calls for fresh spinach, which is wilted in the sauce. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.

Baked Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Squares Recipe

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These Baked Ham and Cheese Squares are flaky puff pastry pockets filled with a creamy ham and cheese mixture, sautéed onions, and optional spinach. Perfect as a savory appetizer or snack, they are baked to a golden brown with a simple egg wash glaze for a beautiful finish.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 squares 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff Pastry

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (thawed at room temperature for about 40 minutes)

Filling

• 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided use
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
• ⅓ cup diced white onion (or shallot)
• 1 cup grated Swiss or Gouda cheese, divided use

Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Garnish

• Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the ham and cheese squares.
2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Remove the thawed puff pastry from packaging and cut each sheet into four 5-inch squares. Set these squares aside on a clean surface.
3. Sauté Onions: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onions and sauté for several minutes until they become softened and translucent. Remove the onions from heat and set aside.
4. Make Roux: Add the remaining butter to the same saucepan. Once melted, stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly until the flour turns light golden brown.
5. Prepare Sauce: Gradually whisk in ½ cup of milk to combine it well with the roux, then pour in the remaining milk while whisking. Cook the sauce over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, whisking occasionally to prevent lumps or burning.
6. Add Spinach: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped spinach until it wilts evenly into the sauce.
7. Combine Filling: Mix in the sautéed onions, diced ham, and half of the grated cheese (½ cup) into the spinach sauce to create the filling mixture.
8. Arrange Pastry Squares: Place the puff pastry squares onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly apart.
9. Add Filling: Scoop about two tablespoons of the ham and cheese filling onto the center of each pastry square.
10. Top with Cheese: Evenly divide the remaining grated cheese over the top of each filled square.
11. Fold Pastry: Fold the corners of each puff pastry square toward the center, forming a pocket over the filling and gently pressing to seal.
12. Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the surface of each folded pastry square with this mixture to achieve a golden crust.
13. Bake: Bake the squares in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the pastry puffs are fully cooked and turn a light golden brown color.
14. Cool and Garnish: Allow the baked squares to cool slightly on a wire rack. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your savory ham and cheese pastries!

Notes

• Thaw puff pastry at room temperature for about 40 minutes to ensure it is pliable and easy to cut.
• You can omit spinach for a simpler version or substitute with other greens if desired.
• The recipe is versatile with Swiss or Gouda cheese; feel free to use your favorite melting cheese.
• Make sure to brush the puff pastry with egg wash for a shiny and crisp finish.
• Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Keywords: ham and cheese, puff pastry, baked appetizers, savory squares, snack, party food, Swiss cheese, Gouda cheese