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At home, these ham and cheese puff pastry treats have become a must-have when friends come over. Every time, there's something magical about watching guests bite into these golden bites with their melty centers. The way the pastry crunches and the warm cheese smells creates such a yummy moment that everyone loves.
Why you'll love these bites
I've been making this treat since my first kitchen adventures. It's so easy that even newbies can whip up something amazing. I often throw these together when friends drop by without warning. Serving them on little wooden sticks adds that fancy touch that always impresses.
What you'll need
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 2 slices of cooked ham
- 100 g of grated cheese (Swiss or Gruyère)
- 1 egg yolk (for shine)
- 1 tablespoon of sesame or poppy seeds (if you want)
- Wooden toothpicks for serving
How to make them
- 1. Get the pastry ready
- Heat your oven to 180°C. Lay out the puff pastry on a clean counter.
- 2. Add the fillings
- Lay ham slices evenly across the pastry. Sprinkle plenty of grated cheese on top.
- 3. Roll and slice
- Roll the pastry tightly into a log shape. Cut the log into slices about 1 cm thick.
- 4. Get them ready to bake
- Place the slices flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with egg yolk, then sprinkle with seeds if you're using them.
- 5. Bake them
- Put in the oven for 12-15 minutes until they turn golden and crispy.
- 6. Time to enjoy
- Let them cool slightly before sticking each pastry with a toothpick for a fun presentation. Serve warm or room temperature.
Tips for best results
* My number one kitchen trick is rolling the pastry really tight so the swirls keep their pretty shape.
* I love switching up the fillings based on what's in my fridge - smoked salmon has become one of my favorites.
* Watching the baking time is super important - I always keep my eye on them since nothing's worse than overcooked pastry.
* My personal touch is serving them with homemade mustard sauce that my friends can't get enough of.
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Different ways to enjoy them
* My veggie version with grilled vegetables and goat cheese is a huge hit with my girlfriends.
* For those with a sweet tooth, I created a Nutella version that my kids go crazy for.
* These bites even show up in my lighter meals paired with a crispy seasonal salad.
* When I'm hosting big groups, I always make a double batch because they disappear too quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can these pastries be made ahead of time?
- Yes, they’re fine to prep a few hours early and bake when ready. You could also freeze them uncooked and bake straight from frozen.
- → How do I get that perfect golden look?
- Brushing with egg yolk makes them golden and shiny. Be sure to coat every surface you can.
- → Can I swap out the cheese?
- Definitely! Emmental and comté melt well, but go ahead and try gruyere or cheddar if you like those more.
- → What’s the best way to store them?
- After baking, keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Warm them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
- → The pastries don’t stick to the skewers. Any tips?
- Let the pastries cool completely before skewering. Use sturdy skewers and poke near the center for better balance.