Description
These Christmas finger foods are buttery, flaky puff pastry bites filled with savory ham and melted cheese. They’re the perfect crowd-pleaser for your holiday party—easy to make, elegant on the plate, and gone in seconds. Crisp on the outside, gooey in the center, and finished with a glossy golden top, these bites will become your new seasonal go-to.
Ingredients
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
8 slices deli ham
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped chives (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets and gently flatten any creases. Cut into 3×3 inch squares.
3. Place a folded piece of ham in the center of half the squares. Top with shredded cheese.
4. Cover each with another pastry square and press edges with a fork to seal. You can also fold one square in half to make triangles.
5. Brush each pastry with the egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds or seasoning if using.
6. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven, cool slightly, and top with chopped chives. Serve warm.
Notes
Keep puff pastry cold while working to ensure flakiness—if it gets too warm, chill before baking.
Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and for easy cleanup.
For a vegetarian version, replace ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach and cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff pastry bite
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0.6 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: Puff pastry appetizers, Christmas finger foods, ham and cheese bites