Single-Serving Puff Pastry Ham and Cheese Puffs
Treat yourself to our easy-to-make, single-serving Ham and Cheese Puffs! With just the right amount of flaky pastry, savory ham, and melty cheese, this recipe is a breeze to make and perfect for a quick, delightful snack or meal.”
I love whipping up these single-serving puff pastry ham and cheese puffs when I’m craving something savory. They’re super simple to make, which is a big plus for me.
Here’s why they’re so great: you just need some basic ingredients like flaky puff pastry, good ham, melty mozzarella, and a few cherry tomatoes. Together, they create this amazing burst of flavors that really hits the spot.
They’re fantastic for a spontaneous get-together or just a satisfying meal on your own. Using frozen dough makes everything even easier, so I can enjoy these cheesy delights anytime.
Interested? Let’s dive in!
🌟 Recipe Tips
- Choosing the Right Puff Pastry: I always go for high-quality frozen dough—it makes all the difference. Make sure to let it thaw completely before you start. You want that perfect flaky, golden texture when it bakes.
- Slicing the Ingredients: I cut the ham and mozzarella into small, even pieces. It’s important for making sure every bite is evenly flavorful.
- Balancing the Fillings: It’s tempting to load up the pastry, but too much can make it burst open in the oven. I find the right balance with the ham, cheese, and cherry tomatoes to keep everything neatly tucked inside.
- Seasoning Matters: Seasoning the fillings is a must. Just a bit of salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of herbs can really boost the flavors.
- Baking to Perfection: Keep your eye on them while they’re in the oven. They should be puffed up and golden brown in about 25 minutes, but it’s good to check since ovens can differ.
- Serving Suggestions: These are best served fresh from the oven when they’re nice and crispy. I love pairing them with a light salad or a bowl of soup to round out the meal.
🥘 Ingredients & Substitutes
- Puff Pastry is the base of our puffs, giving them that flaky texture we all love. If you’re out of puff pastry, phyllo dough is a good substitute; it’s lighter and crisper but still gives that flakiness.
- Ham is a must for the savory, slightly salty kick it brings to the filling. If you want to mix things up, cooked bacon or turkey slices work great too. They add their own flavors but still go well with the cheese and pastry.
- Mozzarella makes these puffs so wonderfully cheesy and gooey. If you don’t have mozzarella, cheddar is great for a sharper taste, or gouda for something smoother and creamier.
- Cherry Tomatoes bring a juicy pop and a bit of acidity, balancing out the richness. No cherry tomatoes? Diced bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes are fantastic alternatives, switching up the flavor but keeping things delicious.
👩🍳 Directions
This snack is perfect for when you’ve got a few leftover pieces of cheese and ham and aren’t sure what to do with them. You can throw in anything else you have, like salami, different kinds of cheese, meats, veggies, or herbs.
That’s why I always keep some portioned dough in the freezer—it’s a lifesaver for whipping up a quick snack.
First up, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Start by getting your filling ready. Chop up the ham and either grate or chop the cheese—whichever you find easier. Finely chop the tomatoes too. Mix all these ingredients together well.
Roll out the dough until it’s about 2 mm thick, then spread the filling over half of it. Press down the edges to seal everything in and keep the filling from spilling out during baking.
Grease a baking tray well, place the pastries on it, and slide them into the oven.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown. Let them cool a bit before diving in so you don’t burn your mouth.
They’re fantastic when they’re still warm—crunchy outside and soft inside. Enjoy!
🍴 How to Double the Recipe:
Doubling this recipe for puff pastry ham and cheese puffs is super easy and great when you’re feeding more people or just want some extra for later. Just double up on all your ingredients.
Make sure you’ve got enough room to work with the extra pastry sheets. Keep a close eye on the oven so both batches come out perfectly golden brown. That way, you’ll have plenty of delicious puff pastries for everyone!
🍽️ Servings
Light Lunch Combo
For a quick yet satisfying lunch, I like pairing the puff pastries with a fresh garden salad—just toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. Add a cup of your favorite soup, maybe a classic tomato or a creamy butternut squash.
Serve the pastries alongside the salad and soup. It’s a refreshing and fulfilling meal, especially great for busy weekdays.
Elegant Appetizer Spread
For something a bit more upscale, like a dinner party or a casual gathering, I serve the puff pastries with a selection of gourmet cheeses, cured meats, and artisan crackers. Don’t forget a small bowl of olives and some tangy mustard or fig jam for dipping.
Lay it all out on a wooden charcuterie board—it looks great and lets guests mix and match their flavors.
Cozy Movie Night Snack
For a movie night or a casual evening in, try the puff pastries with some sweet potato fries or homemade potato chips. Include a dipping sauce like honey mustard or a spicy aioli to kick things up a notch.
Just arrange everything casually on a plate or in a basket, with the dipping sauce on the side. It’s the perfect comfort food setup for relaxing after a long day.
❄️ Storage
Refrigeration
You can keep these puffs in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container so they don’t pick up any weird fridge smells or get soggy from moisture.
Freezing
If you need to store them longer, they freeze well for up to 2 months. I wrap each puff individually in plastic wrap and then stick them in a zip-top freezer bag. This keeps them tasting fresh and maintains their texture.
Considerations for Storage
Let the puffs cool to room temperature before you store them. If they’re still warm, they might get condensation inside the container, which can make them soggy.
Quick Note: If you’re worried about sogginess, you can toss a piece of parchment paper in the container before you add the puffs. This helps keep them dry.
Thawing and Reheating
Thaw the puffs in the fridge overnight if they were frozen. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. They’ll come out hot and crispy. I’d avoid the microwave since it tends to make the pastry soft and chewy.
🤔 FAQs
Can I Make This Recipe with Fresh Dough Instead of Frozen?
What Can I Do with Leftover Puff Pastry?
What Are Some Healthy Filling Alternatives?
Can I Prepare These Puff Pastries Ahead of Time?
📔 Recipe Card:
Single-Serving Puff Pastry Ham and Cheese Puffs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 oz Puff pastry
- ½ cup ham
- ½ cup Mozzarella
- 1 oz Cherry tomato
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the filling by finely chopping the ham and tomatoes, and grating or chopping the cheese, then thoroughly mix these ingredients together.½ cup ham, ½ cup Mozzarella, 1 oz Cherry tomato
- Roll out the dough thinly, approximately 2 mm in thickness, and place the filling on one half of the dough.3 oz Puff pastry
- Press the edges of the dough firmly together to seal the filling inside and prevent the edges from opening during baking.
- Grease a baking tray with oil and arrange the pastries on it.
- Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden.
- Allow the pastries to cool slightly before enjoying them, ensuring they are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Notes
- Pastry Thickness: When I roll out the puff pastry, I aim for about ⅛ inch thick. It’s the perfect thickness to hold all the fillings but not get too bulky.
- Egg Wash for Shine: I like to give each puff pastry a brush with beaten egg before baking to get a nice golden and shiny finish. It makes them look really professional and tasty.
- Adding Herbs for Flavor: I often toss a bit of dried basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning on the pastries before they go into the oven. It adds a nice layer of flavor that really complements the ham and cheese.
- Adjusting Seasonings: The amount of salt you add might need adjusting, especially depending on how salty your ham is. Sometimes I use less, sometimes more.
- Serving Temperature: These puffs are best served warm, but they’re still good at room temperature, which makes them perfect for picnics or packed lunches.
- Customizing Size: If you’re making these for a party or want smaller snacks, just cut the pastry into smaller squares before filling and baking.
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Watch the Oven: Since ovens can vary, start checking on the pastries a few minutes before the time’s up to make sure they don’t over-brown.
Nutrition
Your Turn
I’d really love to hear how you got on with making and tasting the single-serving puff pastry ham and cheese puffs! Your feedback means a lot to me and to fellow food lovers.
Feel free to rate the recipe and drop your comments below. Whether you stuck strictly to the recipe or put your own spin on it, your insights and tweaks could really help others.
