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Platter of golden flaky Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites topped with white and black sesame seeds next to fresh tomatoes and lettuce.

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 16
Calories: 145
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • - 2 sheets puff pastry thawed but kept cold
  • - ½ lb thinly sliced turkey ham or cured beef ham patted dry
  • - ½ lb sliced Gruyère Swiss, or Manchego cheese
  • - 2 tbsp Dijon mustard optional spread base
  • - 1 tsp honey or fig jam optional spread base
  • - 1 large egg + 1 tbsp water for egg wash
  • - 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
  • - 1 tbsp black sesame seeds or Nigella seeds
  • - Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Unroll one sheet of cold puff pastry onto the paper. Mix Dijon mustard with honey or fig jam and brush thinly over pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border along the edges.
  3. Layer the ham evenly over the pastry spread, followed by the cheese slices. Season lightly with cracked black pepper.
  4. Place the second puff pastry sheet directly over top. Press edges down lightly to enclose fillings.
  5. Slice into 12-16 uniform squares using a pizza wheel or sharp chef's knife. Space squares 1 inch apart on the tray.
  6. Brush top surfaces with beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with white and black sesame seeds.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed high and deep golden brown. Cool 5 minutes on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

- Keep dough cold before baking for maximum flakiness.
- Pat cold cuts thoroughly dry with paper towels to avoid sogginess.
- To make ahead, flash-freeze unbaked squares on a tray for 1 hour, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 23-27 minutes.