Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hearts

These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hearts are the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and buttery goodness. With a flaky golden crust, creamy Dijon mustard, smoky ham, and melted cheddar, these bite-sized treats are ideal for a party appetizer, a fun snack, or even a Valentine’s Day treat. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 45 minutes with minimal effort
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or party finger food
✔ Great for Celebrations – A fun and festive treat for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or date nights

Taste & Texture

These puff pastry hearts have a delightful contrast of textures. The flaky, buttery layers of pastry provide a crisp bite, while the melted cheddar adds a creamy richness. The Dijon mustard gives a tangy kick, and the smoky ham brings savory depth, making each bite irresistible.

Dietary Attributes

This recipe is not gluten-free due to the puff pastry, but you can easily swap it for a gluten-free pastry option. It is also adaptable for vegetarians by omitting the ham or replacing it with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 2 sheets butter puff pastry (22 ½ cm/9” square)
• 1 ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 25 g (.8 oz) ham, finely chopped
• 35 g (⅓ cup) grated cheddar cheese
• 1 egg, beaten

Notes on Quality

• Butter puff pastry adds a richer flavor, but any store-bought or homemade puff pastry works
• Black Forest Ham or another high-quality smoked ham enhances the taste
• Use sharp cheddar for the best depth of flavor, but gruyère or Swiss cheese also work beautifully

Possible Substitutions

• Swap ham for turkey, prosciutto, or cooked bacon
• Use mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan instead of cheddar
• Replace Dijon mustard with honey mustard or whole-grain mustard for a different twist

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper
• Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut out heart shapes using a 7 cm (2.75-inch) heart cookie cutter. You should get 8 hearts per sheet
• Place 8 pastry hearts on the lined baking tray
• Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over each heart, leaving a ½ cm (.2 inch) border around the edges
• Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the mustard, followed by the chopped ham. Gently press down to secure the filling

• Brush the edges of each heart with beaten egg
• Place another pastry heart on top of each filled heart and press around the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges
• Prick each heart with a fork to allow steam to escape
• Brush the tops with more beaten egg for a golden finish
• Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown
• Let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes before serving

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Work with chilled puff pastry for the best results. If it gets too warm, place it in the fridge for a few minutes before cutting
• Don’t overfill the hearts to prevent leaks while baking
• Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter for clean, well-defined heart shapes

Common Mistakes

• Avoid using too much mustard, as it can overpower the other flavors
• Skipping the egg wash may result in a dull, pale pastry instead of a beautifully golden one
• Not pricking the pastry can cause it to puff up too much and lose its shape

Time-Saving Tips

• Use pre-cut puff pastry shapes if available
• Prepare the hearts in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hearts pair beautifully with other elegant appetizers. Try serving them alongside these delicious bites:

Valentine’s Day Stuffed Mushrooms – A flavorful, bite-sized appetizer with a creamy filling
Heart-Shaped Caprese Skewers – A fresh and colorful dish to complement the richness of the pastries
Mini Spinach and Feta Puffs – Another flaky, cheesy option with a Mediterranean twist

Presentation Ideas

• Arrange the hearts on a platter with fresh herbs for a pop of color
• Serve with a side of honey mustard or a balsamic glaze for dipping
• Use small heart-shaped plates for a themed event or Valentine’s Day dinner

Beverage Pairings

• White wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
• A light rosé for a festive touch
• Sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice for a non-alcoholic option

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If freezing, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating Methods

• Oven: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness
• Air Fryer: Heat at 180°C (350°F) for 3-4 minutes
• Microwave: Not recommended, as it makes the pastry soft and soggy

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ham or replace it with caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms.

Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Absolutely. Just make sure to use high-quality butter puff pastry for the best flavor and texture.

Troubleshooting

Why are my pastries not crisping up?
They may need a few more minutes in the oven or a higher baking temperature. Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking.

Why is my filling leaking out?
This can happen if too much filling is used or if the edges aren’t sealed properly. Make sure to press the edges firmly and crimp them with a fork.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free puff pastry
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and brush with almond milk instead of egg wash
• Low-Carb: Substitute puff pastry with a fathead dough alternative

Flavor Twists

• Add a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne for extra spice
• Use goat cheese instead of cheddar for a tangy twist
• Swap mustard for pesto or sundried tomato spread for a different flavor profile

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Add a sprinkle of dried cranberries for a festive holiday touch
• Use heart-shaped sprinkles on the platter for a fun Valentine’s Day presentation

Conclusion

These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hearts are crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re making them for a party, date night, or holiday celebration, they’re sure to impress. Try them out, and don’t forget to share your creations.

For more fun and festive recipes, check out my Pinterest board: Cooking with Callie

Let me know in the comments if you make these. I’d love to hear how they turned out!

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