Description

Delight in these golden, flaky Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets, perfect for a quick snack or elegant appetizer. Crispy puff pastry encases a savory filling of ham, Gruyere cheese, Dijon mustard, and fresh chives, enhanced with a touch of cream cheese and honey for creamy, balanced flavor. Finished with an egg wash and everything bagel seasoning, these pockets bake up beautifully golden and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (about 9×9 inches)

Filling

6 oz thinly sliced deli ham, chopped into small pieces
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or sharp cheddar)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon honey
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Finishing

1 large egg, beaten for egg wash
Everything bagel seasoning for sprinkling

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Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the pastry from sticking and make rolling smoother.
Roll and Cut the Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on the floured surface. Roll it gently to smooth creases, forming roughly a 10×10 inch square. Cut the pastry into 9 equal 3×3 inch squares.
Create the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine chopped ham, shredded cheese, Dijon mustard, chives, cream cheese, honey, and black pepper. Mix gently so the mixture holds together without being too wet.
Assemble the Pockets: Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each pastry square. Brush the edges with beaten egg, fold diagonally to form triangles, and firmly seal edges with a fork.
Apply the Finishing Touches: Transfer pockets to the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Brush tops with remaining egg wash, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning, and cut 2-3 small slits in each for steam vents.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18-20 minutes until puffed, golden brown, and hollow sounding when tapped. Cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before serving to let filling set slightly.

Notes

Do not overfill the pockets to prevent bursting during baking.
Cheddar cheese can be used as a budget-friendly alternative to Gruyere.
Everything bagel seasoning adds an extra flavor punch but can be omitted if unavailable.
Let the pockets cool briefly as the filling will be very hot right out of the oven.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.