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In my home, these ham and cheese puff pastry bites have become a must-have for friend gatherings. Magic happens every time guests bite into these golden treats with their melty centers. The flaky pastry combined with the aroma of warm cheese creates a moment of pure delight that makes everyone smile.
Why you'll love these bites
This recipe has stuck with me since my early cooking days. It's so easy that even beginners can make something amazing. I often whip these up when friends drop by without notice. Serving them on little skewers adds that fancy touch that always impresses everyone.
What you'll need
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 2 slices of cooked ham
- 100 g of grated cheese (gruyere or cheddar)
- 1 egg yolk (for browning)
- 1 tablespoon of sesame or poppy seeds (if you want)
- Wooden toothpicks for serving
How to make them
- 1. Get the pastry ready
- Heat your oven to 180°C. Lay out the puff pastry on a clean counter.
- 2. Add the filling
- Place ham slices evenly across the pastry. Sprinkle plenty of grated cheese on top.
- 3. Form and slice
- Roll everything into a tight log. Cut this log into slices about 1 cm thick.
- 4. Ready for baking
- Put these slices flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Brush with egg yolk, then sprinkle with seeds if you're using them.
- 5. Bake them
- Pop in the oven for 12-15 minutes until they turn golden and crispy.
- 6. Ready to eat
- Let them cool slightly before putting each one on a toothpick for a fun presentation. Serve warm or room temperature.
Tips for perfect results
* My number one trick is rolling them super tight so they keep their pretty shape while baking.
* I love switching up fillings based on what's in my fridge - smoked salmon has become one of my favorites.
* Watch your baking time carefully - nothing's worse than overcooked pastry.
* My personal touch is serving them with homemade mustard dip that my guests can't get enough of.
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Tasty twists and ideas
* A veggie version with grilled vegetables and goat cheese is always a hit with my friends.
* For those with a sweet tooth, I've created a Nutella version that my kids go crazy for.
* These bites even work for light meals paired with a crunchy seasonal salad.
* My trick for bigger parties is making a double batch - they always disappear too quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can these be prepped in advance?
- Yes! You can prep them a few hours ahead and bake just before serving. Or freeze unbaked ones to cook straight from frozen.
- → How do I get a perfect golden finish?
- Brushing with egg yolk does the trick. Make sure the tops are fully coated for the best glaze.
- → Can I swap the cheese for other types?
- Definitely! Emmental and Comté work well because they melt beautifully. You can also try gruyère or cheddar!
- → How should I store them?
- Keep them in an airtight box for up to two days after baking. Reheat briefly in the oven to regain that crunch.
- → The bites fall off skewers, how can I fix it?
- Let them cool completely before skewering. Use sturdy sticks and pierce through the center for stability.