Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 250 g), thawed
- 150 g (5 oz) ham, thinly sliced or diced
- 150 g (5 oz) cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère), grated
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or mayonnaise (optional)
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the pastry into squares or rectangles (around 4×4 inches or 5×5 inches depending on your preference).
- Assemble the Pockets:
- Spread a small amount of Dijon mustard or mayonnaise (if using) on the center of each pastry square.
- Place a few slices of ham and a generous amount of grated cheese on top of the mustard/mayo layer.
- Season with black pepper to taste.
- Seal the Pockets:
- Fold the pastry over the filling to form a pocket. Press the edges together, and crimp them with a fork to seal tightly.
- Egg Wash:
- Brush the tops of the pockets with the beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish once baked.
- Bake:
- Place the pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Serve:
- Allow the pockets to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these crispy, cheesy, savory treats!
These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets are perfect as a snack, lunch, or appetizer. You can even serve them at parties or gatherings. Enjoy!