Print

Baked Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Squares Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 129 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/baked-ham-and-cheese-puff-pastry-squares-recipe/