Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets

Introduction

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets offer a symphony of flavors and textures—savory ham and gooey, melted cheese encased in golden, buttery pastry. This irresistible combo takes just minutes to assemble, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer, brunch centerpiece, or even a decadent on-the-go lunch.

What sets this recipe apart is its blend of comfort and elegance. It’s satisfyingly rich yet incredibly simple to prepare—perfect for serving guests or packing in a lunchbox for a gourmet upgrade.

Why These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets Stand Out

Layers of flaky pastry give way to a molten cheese and ham filling, promising a bite-sized taste of perfection every time. Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, these pockets remain crisp and tasty, delivering that bakery-fresh feel without the need for complicated ingredients or skills.

How to Prep Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

For best results, use a high-quality, all-butter puff pastry and your favorite cheese-ham combo (smoked ham and Gruyère is an upscale favorite). Preparing your fillings uniformly ensures even melting and distribution—use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to finely dice onions or peppers, which can be added for a touch of sweetness and complexity.

Lay ingredients out on a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Board for easy assembly.

Easy Assembly and Baking Tips

Working with puff pastry is simple with chilled dough—slice it into squares, add your fillings, then fold and crimp the edges. Prevent sticking and achieve an evenly golden bake by lining your tray with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll.

Brushing the tops with a quick egg wash creates a burnished crust. For those who love extra crisp, bake in an air fryer using the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 for a quick, extra-crispy finish.

Serving and Storing Your Pockets

These savory pockets shine both as a standalone snack and as part of a meal. Pack them easily in a Bentgo Salad Container for an impressive, mess-free lunch. For larger gatherings, lay them out on a parchment-lined platter for easy clean up.

Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer or oven for maximum crispness.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 8 generous puff pastry pockets, with each pocket typically offering 250–300 calories (depending on cheese, ham, and extras). Serve alongside a crisp salad or fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets (Recap)

Golden and crisp, stuffed with savory, melty cheese and hearty ham, these Puff Pastry Pockets are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Their ease of preparation and decadent result make them the ultimate comfort finger food—deliciously fresh from the oven or perfect for a fancy picnic basket.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (or 375°F for convection/air fryer). Line a baking sheet with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy release and cleanup.
2. On a lightly floured surface or Bamboo Cutting Board, roll out the puff pastry into a 12-inch square. Slice into 8 equal rectangles or squares.
3. Mix chopped ham, shredded cheese, and optional onion/pepper in a bowl. Add a little black pepper and, if desired, stir in Dijon mustard for added flavor.
4. Spoon the filling onto half of each pastry square, leaving a 1/2-inch edge. Dampen edges with a little water, then fold over and seal tightly with a fork.
5. Arrange pockets on the lined baking tray. Brush tops with beaten egg for shine.
6. Bake 15–20 minutes, or until golden and puffed. For an extra crispy touch, bake in your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 with Air Fryer Paper Liners for 10–12 minutes.
7. Let cool 5 minutes before transferring to a Bentgo Salad Container for easy transport or serving.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Enjoy the irresistible savory crunch of Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets—comfort food perfection made effortlessly at home!