Can I make these puff pastry stacks ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the stacks a few hours in advance, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Bake just before serving for the best texture.

What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?

Gruyère, Swiss, and sharp Cheddar are top choices due to their excellent melting qualities and bold flavors. However, you can also use mozzarella, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack for a twist.

How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Avoid adding too much mustard or wet ingredients. Make sure the pastry is fully thawed but still cold before baking. Crimping the edges well and cutting slits on top also helps steam escape and keeps the bottom crisp.

Can I freeze the stacks before or after baking?

It’s best to freeze them unbaked. Assemble the stacks, then wrap them tightly and freeze. When ready to bake, add 5–7 minutes to the cooking time and bake directly from frozen. You can also freeze leftovers and reheat in an oven or toaster oven.

Crispy Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks

Name: Crispy Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American-European Fusion
Ingredients: 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed; 8 slices ham, thinly sliced; 8 slices cheese (Gruyère, Swiss, or Cheddar); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional); 1 egg, beaten; All-purpose flour, for dusting

Description

This crispy ham and cheese puff pastry stack is a quick, crowd-pleasing snack layered with melty cheese and savory ham between buttery, flaky sheets of puff pastry. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or easy sheet pan dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
8 slices ham, thinly sliced
8 slices cheese (Gruyère, Swiss, or Cheddar)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 egg, beaten
All-purpose flour, for dusting

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pastry: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll out both puff pastry sheets just enough to smooth edges and remove folds.
Layer the Ham and Cheese: Place one pastry sheet onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Lay the ham slices evenly across the surface, then top with cheese slices to cover completely. For added flavor, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the cheese before layering the second pastry sheet.
Seal and Crimp the Edges: Place the second puff pastry sheet on top of the cheese and press gently to seal. Use a fork to crimp around the edges, which will help contain the filling and add a decorative look.
Apply Egg Wash and Vent: Beat the egg and brush it over the top of the pastry to promote a glossy, golden-brown finish. Use a sharp knife to cut 3–4 small slits across the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape while baking.
Bake Until Golden and Flaky: Transfer the tray to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the pastry has puffed and turned deep golden brown. If it starts to brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil and continue baking until fully done.
Cool Slightly and Slice to Serve: Let the pastry sit for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the cheese to set slightly for neater slicing. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve warm.

Notes

Avoid overfilling to prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking. For crispier results, chill the assembled stack for 10 minutes before baking. Try experimenting with other fillings like sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or herbs. To make mini stacks, cut the puff pastry into smaller squares before assembling.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Snack, Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American-European Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 servings)
Calories: 310
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg