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- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed) - 1 cup cooked ham, diced - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - Fresh parsley for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Mixing bowl - Fork To make Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Squares, you need some key ingredients. Puff pastry is a must. It gives the squares their flaky texture. Cooked ham adds savory flavor. Cheddar cheese brings that gooey, melty goodness. Cream cheese makes the filling rich and creamy. Other ingredients are not required but can enhance the taste. Dijon mustard adds a nice kick. Fresh parsley is great for color and taste. Don’t forget salt and pepper to season the filling. You will also need a few kitchen tools. A baking sheet will hold the squares while they bake. Parchment paper makes clean-up easy. A mixing bowl helps you combine the filling. A fork is handy for sealing the pastry edges. With these ingredients and tools, you are ready to create a tasty dish! - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Thaw your puff pastry sheet and roll it out on a floured surface. - In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of diced ham, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. - Mix in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, along with salt and pepper to taste. - Cut the rolled-out puff pastry into 4 equal squares. - Place a generous tablespoon of the filling on one half of each square. Leave a border around the edges. - Fold the other half over the filling to create a pocket. Press the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges. - Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a nice golden color. - Place the filled squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. - Look for them to puff up and turn golden brown. - Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. To get the best puff pastry, follow these tips: - Avoid overworking the dough: Handle the dough gently. Overworking makes it tough. You want it light and flaky. - Ensure even baking: Make sure your oven is preheated. Place the squares in the middle of the oven for even heat. To keep your Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Squares fresh: - Storing in the refrigerator: Place leftovers in an airtight container. They last up to three days. - Reheating instructions: Use the oven for best results. Bake at 350°F until warmed. This keeps them crispy. Make your dish shine with these ideas: - Pairing with sauces: Serve with mustard or a tangy dipping sauce. It adds flavor and excitement. - Best drinks to serve: Pair with a light white wine or sparkling water. Both enhance the dish without overpowering it. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese for a new flavor. Instead of cheddar, try mozzarella or gouda. Mozzarella gives a gooey texture. Gouda adds a rich, nutty taste. Both options work well in the filling. Just make sure to shred or cube them, so they mix easily with the other ingredients. Feel free to swap the ham for turkey or chicken. Turkey offers a lighter taste. Chicken adds a nice, mild flavor. Both meats will still work well with the cheese and cream cheese. This makes it easy to use what you have on hand or to fit your taste. Want to add more veggies? Spinach or mushrooms are great choices. Spinach adds a fresh green color and nutrition. Mushrooms bring an earthy flavor that pairs well with cheese. Simply chop them up and mix them into the filling. This gives you a tasty boost and makes the dish more colorful. Each Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Square has about 250 calories. This makes it a tasty snack or light meal. If you eat one, you get a nice mix of flavors without too many calories. - Protein: Each square contains around 10 grams of protein. This comes from the ham and cheese. Protein helps build muscle and keeps you feeling full. - Fat: There are about 15 grams of fat per square. Most of this fat comes from the cream cheese and cheddar cheese. - Carbohydrates: Each square has roughly 20 grams of carbs. These come mainly from the puff pastry, giving you energy. If you're looking for gluten-free options, puff pastry is usually made with wheat flour. So, it’s not gluten-free. You can use gluten-free pastry instead. These options can help you enjoy this dish without worry if you have gluten issues. Always check the labels to be safe! Yes, you can use frozen puff pastry. It works great for this recipe. To thaw it, simply place the frozen sheet in the fridge overnight. If you are short on time, you can thaw it at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This keeps the pastry cold and makes it easy to roll out. You can prepare these squares ahead of time. After assembling them, place the uncooked squares on a baking sheet. Cover them with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just brush them with the egg wash and bake as directed. This saves time for busy days! These squares pair well with many sides. Serve them with a crisp salad for a fresh touch. You can also try a warm soup, like tomato or butternut squash. Another great option is a fruit platter. The sweetness of fruit balances the savory flavors of the pastry. Watch for a few signs to know when they are done. The pastry should be puffed up and golden brown. You can also tap the bottom; it should sound hollow. If the tops are golden and the pastry is firm, they are ready to enjoy! In this article, I covered how to make tasty Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Squares. We discussed key ingredients like puff pastry, ham, and cheese, as well as optional extras like Dijon mustard. I also shared step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and storage advice. You can even explore variations to make these squares your own. Try making these delicious bites for your next meal. They're easy, fun, and sure to impress!

Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Squares

Indulge in a comforting treat with these Cheesy Ham Delight Puff Pastry Squares! Made with flaky puff pastry, savory diced ham, and creamy cheddar cheese, these quick and easy bites are perfect for any occasion. Discover the simple steps to create golden, cheesy pockets that everyone will love. Ready to impress your guests? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring these delicious squares to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)

1 cup cooked ham, diced

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares.

      In a mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

        Place a generous tablespoon of the ham and cheese filling on one half of each puff pastry square, making sure to leave a border around the edges.

          Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to create a pocket. Press the edges firmly to seal and use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring the filling doesn’t escape during baking.

            Brush the tops of the puff pastry squares with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

              Place the filled squares on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.

                Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

                  Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4 squares