Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 package (approximately 17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 8 slices of ham
• 8 slices of cheese (Swiss, Gruyere, or Cheddar recommended)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) for garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

2. 2

   Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth the edges and slightly enlarge the sheets for easier cutting.

3. 3

   Cut Pastry Squares: Cut each puff pastry sheet into 4 equal squares, yielding a total of 8 squares from one package.

4. 4

   Make Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash that will help give the pastry a shiny, golden finish.

5. 5

   Assemble Stacks: Place one slice of ham on each puff pastry square. If desired, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the ham for added flavor. Then add a slice of cheese on top.

6. 6

   Season and Garnish: Lightly season each stack with salt and pepper. Sprinkle fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, on top of the cheese if you want to enhance the flavor with an aromatic touch.

7. 7

   Top with Pastry: Layer another puff pastry square over each ham and cheese stack. Gently press down to seal the edges and use a fork to crimp the edges, creating a decorative pattern and ensuring the stack stays closed during baking.

8. 8

   Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each pastry stack with the prepared egg wash to promote browning and crispiness.

9. 9

   Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the stacks on the lined baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow room for the pastry to puff up while baking.

10. 10

    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and fully puffed.

11. 11

    Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the stacks to cool slightly before serving to let the cheese set and to avoid burns.