Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets

 

Ingredients:

Looking for a quick yet impressive appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress? These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets are the perfect solution! With their buttery, flaky exterior and gooey, savory filling, these bite-sized wonders are ideal for parties, potlucks, or even a casual weeknight dinner. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to create these delightful pockets step-by-step, share tips for success, and provide ideas for customization. Let’s get started!

Why Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets Are So Popular

Before we dive into the recipe, here’s why these little gems deserve a spot in your kitchen:

1. Convenient : Puff pastry is pre-made and widely available, making prep time minimal.
2. Versatile : You can customize the fillings to suit your taste—add herbs, spices, or different types of cheese!
3. Impressive : Despite their simplicity, these pockets look and taste like something from a fancy bakery.
4. Perfect for Sharing : Whether it’s a holiday gathering, game day snack, or family dinner, everyone will love them.

Now let’s take a closer look at what goes into making these delicious treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 4 oz sliced deli ham , cut into small pieces
  (Choose your favorite type of ham—Black Forest, honey-glazed, or smoked work great!)
• 8 oz shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss)
  (Shredded cheese melts beautifully and distributes evenly inside the pockets.)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, but adds a nice tang!)
• Freshly ground black pepper , to taste

For the Puff Pastry:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry , thawed according to package instructions
  (Puff pastry sheets are readily available in the freezer aisle of most grocery stores.)

For Egg Wash (Optional):

• 1 large egg , beaten
  (Brushing the edges of the pastry with an egg wash helps seal the pockets tightly.)
• 1 teaspoon water , mixed with the beaten egg

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, shredded cheese, Dijon mustard (if using), and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the sheet into squares (approximately 4×4 inches). This should yield around 6–8 squares, depending on the size.

Step 4: Assemble the Pockets

1. Place one square of puff pastry on your work surface.
2. Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the ham and cheese mixture onto the center of the square.
3. Lightly brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg mixture (this acts as “glue” to seal the pocket).
4. Fold the square in half to form a triangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.

Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the assembled pockets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each one to allow for expansion during baking.

Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash

If desired, lightly brush the tops of the pockets with the remaining egg wash. This gives them a beautiful golden sheen when baked.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake the pockets in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes , or until they’re puffed up and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.