Buttery layers of puff pastry, melty cheese, and savory ham stacked and baked to golden perfection. A simple yet sophisticated comfort bite!
🛒 Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 4–6 slices deli ham (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for touch of sweetness)
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out puff pastry slightly on a floured surface. Cut into 6 equal rectangles.
- Layer 3 stacks: On 3 of the pastry pieces, spread a thin layer of Dijon (if using), top with ham slices and cheese.
- Stack and seal: Place remaining 3 pastry pieces on top of each ham-cheese base. Press edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush with egg wash, and optionally score a crisscross pattern on top for a fancy finish.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Drizzle lightly with honey and garnish with thyme, if desired. Serve warm.
📋 Recipe Card
Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Puff pastry sheet | 1 (thawed) |
| Ham slices | 4–6 slices |
| Gruyère/Swiss | ½ cup shredded |
| Egg (for egg wash) | 1 |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp (optional) |
| Honey | 1 tsp (optional) |
| Fresh thyme | For garnish (optional) |
⏱️ Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Servings: 3 stacks (serves 2–3)
🔢 Nutrition (Per Stack – Approximate)
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 21g
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 10g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 470mg
📝 Notes & Tips
- Cheese swap: Try cheddar, mozzarella, or fontina for different flavor profiles.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble stacks, cover, and refrigerate up to 4 hours before baking.
- Add-ins: Thinly sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, or spinach make great additions.