Description
These Christmas Finger Foods are delightful puff pastry parcels filled with savory deli ham and melted cheddar or Gruyère cheese, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as festive appetizers that will impress every guest, they are easy to make and beautifully garnished with chives and optional toppings like sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry & Filling
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 8 slices deli ham
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
Finishing Touches
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the pastries.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Squares: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets, gently flattening any creases, then cut them into 3×3 inch squares.
- Assemble Filling: Place a folded slice of deli ham in the center of half the puff pastry squares, then top each with shredded cheese for a cheesy, savory filling.
- Seal Pastries: Cover each filled square with another puff pastry square, pressing the edges firmly with a fork to seal the parcels. Alternatively, fold one square in half to create triangle-shaped pastries.
- Apply Egg Wash and Toppings: Brush each pastry top with the beaten egg wash to promote browning and a shiny finish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning if desired for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they are puffed up and golden brown, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, then sprinkle with chopped chives as a fresh garnish. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure to thaw puff pastry sheets completely before rolling to avoid cracking.
- The ham can be substituted with turkey or smoked chicken for variation.
- Use gluten-free puff pastry for a gluten-free version.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ham with spinach or roasted vegetables and choose suitable cheese.
- Egg wash can be skipped or replaced with a milk wash for a lighter finish.
- These can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving to save time during parties.
