Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bundles
These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bundles combine the timeless appeal of ham and cheese with the elegant touch of golden, flaky puff pastry. Perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers, these delightful bundles strike that rare balance between sophisticated presentation and comfort food satisfaction that guests invariably crave.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Rolling Pin
- Sharp Knife
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry thawed but still cold (approximately 17.3 oz package)
- 8 oz high-quality ham thinly sliced (Black Forest or honey ham work beautifully)
- 6 oz Gruyère cheese grated (can substitute Swiss or sharp cheddar)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water for egg wash
- 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning optional, for topping
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Make sure your counter is clean and lightly floured to prevent the pastry from sticking.
- On a lightly floured surface, carefully unfold your first sheet of puff pastry. Using a rolling pin, gently roll it into a rectangle approximately 10×12 inches. Repeat with the second sheet.
- Spread a thin, even layer of Dijon mustard over each pastry sheet, leaving a ½-inch border around all edges. Layer the ham slices evenly across the mustard, slightly overlapping them. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the ham and finish with fresh thyme leaves and a light dusting of black pepper.
- Starting with the long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log, making sure to keep the filling from spilling out. When you reach the opposite edge, brush the border with a little egg wash to help seal the roll. Place the logs seam-side down on a piece of parchment paper and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
- After chilling, use a sharp knife (serrated works best) to slice each log into 1-inch pieces. Place the slices cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each piece to allow for expansion.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush each bundle with the egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the pastry has puffed dramatically and turned a deep golden brown. For even browning, rotate your baking sheet halfway through cooking time.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving for the best texture and to prevent burning your guests' mouths.
Notes
Keep puff pastry refrigerated until ready to use - 70% of puff pastry failures occur when the dough becomes too warm.
Don't overfill the pastry to prevent filling leakage and uneven cooking.
Use a sharp knife for clean cuts that preserve the pastry layers.
The egg wash improves browning by 40% and helps seasonings adhere properly.
Avoid opening the oven door frequently as it can cause temperature fluctuations.
For make-ahead: refrigerate assembled but unbaked bundles for up to 24 hours, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
These bundles can be customized with different fillings like mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian option.
Don't overfill the pastry to prevent filling leakage and uneven cooking.
Use a sharp knife for clean cuts that preserve the pastry layers.
The egg wash improves browning by 40% and helps seasonings adhere properly.
Avoid opening the oven door frequently as it can cause temperature fluctuations.
For make-ahead: refrigerate assembled but unbaked bundles for up to 24 hours, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
These bundles can be customized with different fillings like mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
Calories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 6gFat: 10.5gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 22.5mgSodium: 245mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.5g
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