Here’s a FULL DETAILED RECIPE for Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets — perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.

🥐 Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

Pastry & Filling

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen, about 8 oz / 225 g)
• 4–6 slices of ham (deli-style, thinly sliced)
• 1–1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard or whole-grain mustard (optional)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tsp water (to mix with egg for wash)

Optional Add-ins

• Sliced mushrooms
• Spinach leaves
• Cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Prepare Puff Pastry

1. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
2. Cut the sheet into 4–6 equal squares or rectangles, depending on desired pocket size.

Step 3: Assemble Pockets

1. Place 1–2 slices of ham in the center of each puff pastry square.
2. Add shredded cheese on top of the ham.
3. Add optional ingredients like onions, mushrooms, or spinach.
4. Spread a small amount of Dijon mustard if using.

Step 4: Fold & Seal

1. Fold the puff pastry over the filling to create a pocket (triangle or rectangle).
2. Press edges firmly with a fork to seal.
3. Place pockets on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Egg Wash

1. Beat the egg with 1 tsp of water.
2. Brush the tops of the pockets with the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
3. Optional: Make small slits on top of each pocket to allow steam to escape.

Step 6: Bake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.

Step 7: Serve

• Let pockets cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.
• Serve warm as a snack, appetizer, or part of a light meal.

Tips & Variations

• Cheese: Use a mix of cheeses for richer flavor.
• Vegetarian: Replace ham with sautéed vegetables or mushrooms.
• Make Ahead: Assemble pockets ahead of time and refrigerate for 1–2 hours before baking.
• Freezing: Bake or unbaked pockets can be frozen. Bake frozen pockets for 25–30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

If you want, I can also create a realistic, delicious image of these ham and cheese puff pastry pockets so you can see exactly how they should look.

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