Cheesy Puff Pastry Breakfast with Leftover Easter Ham & Asparagus

Spring is the perfect time to bring fresh, vibrant flavors into your kitchen, and this Cheesy Puff Pastry Breakfast is a great way to do just that! Made with flaky, buttery puff pastry, leftover Easter ham, and crisp asparagus, this dish is light, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s an effortless yet elegant option for brunch, breakfast, or even a quick appetizer.

Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is easy to prepare, visually stunning, and packed with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making it in the oven or your Air Fryer, it turns out golden brown, crispy, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy

• Uses store-bought puff pastry for convenience
• Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal prep work

Perfect for Leftovers

• A creative way to use up Easter ham
• Asparagus adds a fresh spring twist

Light, Flaky & Cheesy

• A balance of buttery puff pastry, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy eggs
• The crispy edges and soft center make every bite irresistible

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 3-4 slices Swiss cheese, cubed
• 2-3 slices ham, cubed
• 3-4 stalks asparagus, sliced diagonally
• ¼ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Egg Mixture

• 4 eggs
• ¼ cup half-and-half (or milk)
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Possible Substitutions

• Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella instead of Swiss and Monterey Jack
• Meat-Free Option: Skip the ham for a vegetarian-friendly version
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk like almond or oat

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and set aside
• Thaw the puff pastry sheet while prepping the other ingredients
• Cube the Swiss cheese and ham, then slice the asparagus diagonally
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, ground mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined
• Gently press the puff pastry into the parchment-lined baking pan
• Layer the ham, cheese, and asparagus on top, then sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese
• Carefully pour the egg mixture over the top

• Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are fully cooked
• Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then cut into slices and serve

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Use chilled puff pastry for the best flaky texture
• Do not overfill with ingredients to prevent the pastry from getting soggy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not thawing puff pastry properly: Let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes, but don’t let it get too warm
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on it to prevent the eggs from drying out

Time-Saving Tips

• Prep everything the night before for a quick assembly in the morning
• Use pre-shredded cheese to save even more time

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with a light spring salad for a balanced brunch
• Pair with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for extra protein

Presentation Ideas

• Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a pop of color
• Serve on a wooden board with fresh fruit for an elegant brunch display

Beverage Pairings

• A light, fruity mimosa complements the flavors beautifully
• A creamy latte or cappuccino pairs perfectly with the buttery puff pastry

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months

Reheating Methods

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness
• Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5 minutes
• Microwave: Use short 15-second bursts to avoid making the pastry soggy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh asparagus instead of pre-cooked?

Yes! Fresh asparagus works perfectly since it softens while baking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it in the morning.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free puff pastry to keep it gluten-free while maintaining the flaky texture.

Variations & Customizations

Make it Vegan

• Swap out the cheese for dairy-free alternatives
• Use a flax egg instead of regular eggs

Flavor Twists

• Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth
• Try a spicy kick by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños

Seasonal Adaptations

• In the summer, add zucchini or cherry tomatoes
• For fall, mix in roasted butternut squash or sage

More Delicious Breakfast Recipes

If you love this Cheesy Puff Pastry Breakfast, you’ll also enjoy these other delicious breakfast ideas:

• Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – A fun and cheesy twist on a classic sandwich
• Classic French Toast – A breakfast staple made in just 20 minutes
• French Omelette with Fines Herbes – A delicate and flavorful way to enjoy eggs

Follow more of my recipes on Pinterest: Cooking with Callie

Try this flaky, cheesy, and savory puff pastry breakfast and let me know in the comments how it turned out! If you made any customizations, I’d love to hear about them. Happy cooking!

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