Description
These Cheesy Ham Spinach Puff Pastries are golden, flaky, and filled with layers of Swiss cheese, mozzarella, savory Black Forest ham, and fresh spinach. Perfect as a savory snack or appetizer, they combine gooey melted cheese with crispy puff pastry and a hint of fresh thyme for a deliciously satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 puff pastry sheet, thawed and kept chilled
Cheese
- 6 slices thinly sliced Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Meat
- 6 slices thinly sliced Black Forest ham
Vegetables
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, roughly diced
Additional Ingredients
- About 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds, for sprinkling
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
- Egg wash for brushing (1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon milk or water)
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cut the Pastry Sheet: On a lightly floured surface, slice the thawed puff pastry sheet into 6 equal rectangles by first cutting it in half, then slicing each half into three equal parts. Arrange the 6 rectangles spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Assemble the Pastries: Leave a 1/2 inch border around each rectangle. Start by layering one slice of Swiss cheese on each rectangle as a base.
- Add the Ham: Place one slice of Black Forest ham on top of the Swiss cheese on each pastry rectangle.
- Add Spinach and Mozzarella: Sprinkle a portion of the roughly diced fresh spinach and shredded mozzarella evenly over the ham on each rectangle.
- Egg Wash and Fold: Lightly brush the edges of each pastry with egg wash to help seal the layers. Fold two opposite corners of each rectangle over the filling, bringing them up and over each other to partially enclose the filling. Brush the top of each pastry with egg wash and sprinkle lightly with poppy seeds.
- Chill the Pastries (Optional): If the puff pastry has softened during assembly, refrigerate the pastries for about 10 minutes to help the layers firm up, which results in a crisper, flakier crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake the pastries for 12-15 minutes until they are puffed, golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the pastries from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool until they are comfortable to handle. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy these pastries warm or at room temperature as a delightful appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Keep the puff pastry well-chilled to ensure a flaky texture and prevent it from becoming too soft during assembly.
- Feel free to substitute the Black Forest ham with your favorite ham or smoked meat.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add extra spinach or mushrooms.
- The egg wash helps to achieve a golden, glossy finish and seals the pastry edges to prevent filling leakage.
- These pastries can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: puff pastry, ham, cheese, spinach, appetizer, snack, quick recipe, easy baking, cheesy pastries
