Page 1 of 3: Introduction and Ingredients)
Welcome to the world of effortless elegance! The image you’ve shared captures the perfect Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Square—a delightful appetizer, a comforting snack, or a fantastic addition to any brunch table. Known in some cultures as “Facturas de Jamón y Queso” or simple “Puff Pastry Pinwheels/Bites,” this recipe is a universal crowd-pleaser. The combination of flaky, buttery puff pastry, salty ham, and gooey, melted cheese is an absolute classic. They are incredibly quick to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and look stunning when served, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
This recipe is designed to be SEO-friendly and detailed, ensuring you get that golden, perfectly risen result every single time. Get ready to bake the most irresistible little bites!
This recipe focuses on quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture. We will make about 24-30 small squares(depending on the size you cut them).
PRIMARY COMPONENTS:
- Puff Pastry: 1 or 2 sheets (approximately 14-16 ounces totalor 400-450g). Crucially: Ensure it’s all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor and flakiest layers. Thaw it according to package instructions, usually in the refrigerator overnight.
- Ham: 6-8 slices of high-quality, thinly sliced cooked ham (e.g., Black Forest, Honey, or Deli Ham). Avoid overly watery ham.
- Cheese: 6-8 slices of cheese, or about 1 cup (120g) of shredded cheese. A mix works best for flavor and meltiness:
- Provolone or Swiss for a great melt.
- Mozzarella for the ultimate cheese pull (as seen in the image!).
- Cheddar or Gruyère for a sharper flavor kick.
THE GOLDEN WASH & SEASONING:
- Egg: 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for the egg wash).
- Milk or Water: 1 teaspoon of milk or water (to thin the egg wash).
- Optional Toppings:
- A sprinkle of Flaky Sea Salt(Maldon or similar).
- A pinch of Black Pepper.
- A dash of Dried Herbs (e.g., Oregano, Thyme, or Italian seasoning) for an extra layer of flavor.
- A sprinkle of Sesame Seedsor Everything Bagel Seasoningfor crunch.
- Baking Sheet(s): Preferably lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Pastry Brush: For applying the perfect egg wash.
- Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter:For clean, precise cuts.
- Rolling Pin: To slightly smooth or expand the puff pastry.