I make these on weeknights when time is short. They need little hands-on time and they warm fast. I keep a box of puff pastry in the freezer. When I need a quick hot meal, I pull out ham and cheese and bake. The food fills plates and needs little clean up.
Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks bake in about 25 minutes. I serve them with soup or a simple salad. Leftovers reheat well in a toaster oven. I can switch the cheese or add herbs to change the taste.
This dish is a small layered pastry with ham and melted cheese between sheets of puff pastry. It tastes rich, flaky, and a little salty from the ham. People often make it for quick dinners, snacks, or party food. The heat makes the pastry rise and the cheese melt to hold the layers. For a different sandwich idea that also uses bread and cheese, see apple cranberry grilled cheese for a sweet and savory twist.
Why make this recipe
This recipe saves time and uses few parts. It cooks fast and uses frozen pastry so prep is quick. The flavor is simple but loved by many. You can swap cheeses or herbs to match what you have. It fits busy nights, packed lunches, or casual guests. If you want another hearty, make-ahead idea for a family meal, check this Amish hamburger steak bake to plan more easy dinners.
Ingredients
1 package (approximately 17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed, 8 slices of ham, 8 slices of cheese (Swiss, Gruyere, or Cheddar recommended), 1 egg, beaten, 1 tablespoon milk, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, Salt and pepper to taste, Optional: fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) for garnish
Puff pastry gives the dish a flaky, light crust. Ham brings salt and meatiness. Cheese adds melt and richness; Swiss or Gruyere add a nutty note, while Cheddar gives sharper flavor. The egg wash makes the crust golden. Dijon gives a small kick and helps butter and ham taste brighter. Herbs add fresh aroma but are not needed. For a cold drink to pair with the stack, try a bright Bahama Mama smoothie in warm weather.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth the edges and slightly increase the size.
Cut each sheet into 4 equal square pieces, making a total of 8 squares from one box of puff pastry.
In a small bowl, mix the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash.
Place a slice of ham on each square of puff pastry, followed by a slice of cheese. If desired, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the ham before adding the cheese.
Season lightly with salt and pepper, and if using, sprinkle fresh herbs on top of the cheese for added flavor.
Layer another square of puff pastry on top of each ham and cheese stack, pressing down gently to seal the edges. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure the stack stays sealed.
Brush the top of each stack with the egg wash to help the pastry achieve a golden, crispy finish.
Place the stacks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each to allow for expansion during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes: A hot oven helps the layers puff fast. Sealing and crimping keeps the cheese inside. The egg wash gives even color and shine. When you bake Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks watch for deep golden color to know they are done. For another rich, baked comfort food idea, see baked buffalo chicken mac and cheese.
How to serve this recipe
Serve the stacks warm. They pair well with a green salad or a bowl of tomato soup. For a party, put stacks on a tray and let guests grab them. Cut one in half to fit on a plate with sides. Add a small bowl of mustard or a vinaigrette for dipping. If you want a lighter plate, add raw veggies or sliced fruit. Serve on paper plates for easy clean up when you host friends or family.
How to store this recipe
Cool the stacks to room temperature before storing. Put them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap each stack in foil or place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven until warmed through and crisp, about 15–20 minutes. Reheating in a toaster oven keeps the pastry crisper than a microwave. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
Tips to make this recipe
Keep the pastry cold until you bake. Warm dough can be sticky and will not puff well. Use a light flour dusting to prevent sticking. Press edges firmly to stop cheese from leaking. If leakage happens, clean the sheet between trays to avoid burning. Let the stacks cool for a few minutes before cutting to keep the cheese from running. To keep Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks crisp, reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave.
Variation
Swap the ham for cooked turkey or thin roast beef for a new taste. Change cheese to Brie for a softer melt or Pepper Jack for heat. Add a thin slice of apple for a fresh contrast with Swiss cheese. For a vegetarian version, use grilled mushrooms and spinach with a sharp cheese. If you need gluten-free options, puff pastry is hard to replace, so this dish fits best when regular pastry is acceptable.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh puff pastry?
A: Yes. Keep it cold and follow the same steps.
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Assemble and freeze. Bake from frozen with a few extra minutes.
Q: Can I use deli slices of ham?
A: Yes. Thinner slices work fine and heat quickly.
Q: Do I need to thaw the pastry?
A: Thaw it just enough to unfold. Cold but pliable works best.
Conclusion
This meal is quick to make and works for many plans. It gives a flaky crust and melted cheese with little work. For recipe ideas that pair well, try this Favorite Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer – The Clever Carrot. For another flaky take, see Flaky Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry – The Cozy Plum. If you want a step-by-step visual or variations, check Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry – I Am Baker.
Print
Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Quick and easy Crispy Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks baked to golden perfection, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 package (approximately 17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of cheese (Swiss, Gruyere, or Cheddar recommended)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth the edges and slightly increase the size.
- Cut each sheet into 4 equal square pieces, making a total of 8 squares from one box of puff pastry.
- In a small bowl, mix the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash.
- Place a slice of ham on each square of puff pastry, followed by a slice of cheese. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the ham if desired.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper, and sprinkle fresh herbs on top of the cheese if using.
- Layer another square of puff pastry on top of each ham and cheese stack, pressing down gently to seal the edges. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
- Brush the top of each stack with the egg wash.
- Place the stacks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Ensure the pastry stays cold until baking for best results. Use a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking and crimp edges firmly to keep cheese inside.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stacks
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
