Description
Crispy puff pastry ham and cheese sticks bring savory elegance to any gathering with minimal effort. Flaky layers of golden pastry wrap salty ham and melted cheese, creating irresistible finger-friendly bites you cannot stop munching.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 slices ham (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyere, Cheddar, or mozzarella)
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard
Topping (Optional):
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sesame seeds or poppy seeds
Instructions
- Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly dusted work surface, creating an even rectangular canvas for your culinary creation.
- Optional enhancement: Spread a delicate layer of tangy Dijon mustard across the pastry surface, infusing a subtle zesty undertone.
- Carefully distribute sliced ham evenly, ensuring complete coverage on one half of the pastry landscape.
- Generously cascade shredded cheese over the ham, creating a melty, flavorful foundation.
- Gently fold the bare pastry half over the ham and cheese, pressing edges to seal the delectable interior.
- Transform the filled pastry into elegant strips using a precision knife or pizza cutter, slicing with confident, smooth movements.
- Delicately twist each strip, allowing the layers to create beautiful spiraled shapes that showcase the inner ingredients.
- Arrange the twisted pastry sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for proper expansion.
- Delicately brush each stick with beaten egg, creating a glossy, golden exterior that promises crispy perfection.
- Optionally embellish with a sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
- Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F), allowing the pastry to transform into golden, puffy delights.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a rich, amber coloration and characteristic puffy texture.
- Remove from oven and let cool briefly before serving these irresistible ham and cheese pastry sticks.
Notes
- Butter your pastry sheet lightly to prevent sticking and enhance golden-brown crispiness.
- Choose high-quality ham and cheese for maximum flavor impact, preferably using aged cheddar or gruyère for richer taste.
- Consider making vegetarian versions by swapping ham with roasted vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or caramelized onions.
- For gluten-sensitive guests, seek out gluten-free puff pastry alternatives available in specialty grocery stores to maintain recipe’s delightful texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg