An easy yet elegant looking meal, these Baked Ham and Cheese Squares are meaty, cheesy and full of flavor! Perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner!
A SAVORY BREAKFAST PASTRY
These Baked Ham and Cheese Squares have long been a favorite when I serve them for teacher appreciation week. They are a highly requested favorite among our hard working teachers! They are really so simple to make and everyone just raves over them! With simple ingredients they come together beautifully and are a delicious savory meal. Of course they would make a great brunch or breakfast for any holiday gathering as well. The flavors play so nicely together and you cant go wrong with a mixture of ham and cheese! If you want to switch up your brunch routine, then this Baked Ham and Cheese Square Recipe has to become a staple!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
You will need 2 sheets. A package of puff pastry is sold 2 sheets per package.
Absolutely, if you are not a fan of Swiss or Gouda you can really substitute with any of your favorite cheese. Some of my favorites would include cheddar, sharp white cheddar, Muenster, pepper jack (if you want a little kick) etc. Use what you like best!
No, I think this recipe would be amazing with bacon or sausage as well. Just make sure that you cook them before using in the recipe.
Yes! You do not want to use frozen puff pastry for this recipe. The puff pastry will be brittle and break if it is not thawed. So make sure to follow the instructions on the box for how long it will need to defrost. Usually you can set it out on your counter for about 40 minutes.
Absolutely, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, etc would make perfect additions to this recipe.
You can buy packages of diced cooked ham near where ham slices are sold in the grocery store or near where the cold cuts are.
These can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will last for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen, place cooled squares in a freezer container and they will keep for up to 3 months. To defrost, remove to refrigerator overnight. You can place back in the oven for a few minutes at 400 degrees F until warmed through.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)
- puff pastry
- salted butter
- all-purpose flour
- milk
- kosher salt and paper
- garlic powder
- diced cooked ham
- fresh spinach
- white onion (or shallot)
- swiss or gouda cheese
- egg
- water
HOW TO MAKE BAKED HAM AND CHEESE SQUARES:
Preheat the oven to 400F degrees. Remove thawed puff pastry from packaging and cut each sheet into (4) 5 inch squares. Set aside covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to use.
In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter to melt. Add the diced onions and saute for several minutes until softened and translucent. Set the onions aside.
Add the remaining butter to the saucepan. Once the butter has melted, stir in the flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the flour becomes a light golden brown.
Whisk in ½ cup of milk until well combined with the flour mixture, then pour in and whisk the remaining milk.
Cook the sauce for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 10 minutes, whisking occasionally to prevent the bottom of the sauce from burning and to remove any lumps.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped spinach.
Once the spinach has wilted, stir in the sauteed onions, diced ham, and ½ cup of the grated cheese.
Remove the puff pastry squares from the refrigerator and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Scoop two tablespoons of the ham cheese mixture onto the center of each square.
Divide the remaining grated cheese between the squares and sprinkle on top of the ham cheese sauce.
Fold the corners into the center of each puff pastry square to form a pocket over the ham and cheese.
Whisk the egg and tablespoon of cold water together to create a wash, and brush the mixture over the top of each of the folded pastry squares.
Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry puffs are fully cooked and a light golden brown.
Allow the pastry to cool slightly before serving, garnish parsley and enjoy!
CRAVING MORE RECIPES? GIVE THESE A TRY!
Baked Ham and Cheese Squares
Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (thawed at room temperature for about 40 minutes)
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided use
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, chopped (optiona)
- ⅓ cup diced white onion (or shallot)
- 1 cup grated swiss or gouda cheese, divided use
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F degrees.
- Remove thawed puff pastry from packaging and cut each sheet into (4) 5 inch squares. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter to melt. Add the diced onions and saute for several minutes until softened and translucent. Set the onions aside.
- Add the remaining butter to the saucepan. Once the butter has melted, stir in the flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the flour becomes a light golden brown.
- Whisk in ½ cup of milk until well combined with the flour mixture, then pour in and whisk the remaining milk. Cook the sauce for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 10 minutes, whisking occasionally to prevent the bottom of the sauce from burning and to remove any lumps.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped spinach.
- Once the spinach has wilted, stir in the sauteed onions, diced ham, and ½ cup of the grated cheese.
- Remove the puff pastry squares from the refrigerator and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Scoop two tablespoons of the ham cheese mixture onto the center of each square.
- Divide the remaining grated cheese between the squares and sprinkle on top of the ham cheese sauce.
- Fold the corners into the center of each puff pastry square to form a pocket over the ham and cheese.
- Whisk the egg and tablespoon of cold water together to create a wash, and brush the mixture over the top of each of the folded pastry squares.
- Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry puffs are fully cooked and a light golden brown.
- Allow the pastry to cool slightly before serving, garnish parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe can easily be doubled to serve more people.
- Swap the ham out for bacon or sausage.
- You can use any of your favorite cheeses.
- Add some vegetables, see some suggestions above.
- These can be frozen, see above on how to do that.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Georgia Perkins
HI Brandi,
Just wanted to know if these delicious looking ham and cheese puffs can be done in an air fryer?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
I'm sure they could! I just haven't tested it out yet. If you give it a try, I'd love to know how they turn out for you!