Description
This delightful recipe for Christmas Finger Foods features puff pastry filled with savory ham and cheese, perfect for impressing guests at holiday gatherings. Easy to prepare and bake, these golden, flaky pastries are seasoned with black pepper and fresh chives, making them a delicious and elegant appetizer for festive celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry and Filling
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 100 g cooked ham, sliced or cubed
- 100 g cheese (cheddar or Gruyère), sliced
Seasoning and Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Thaw and Roll Pastry. Thaw the puff pastry sheet according to package instructions, then gently roll it out on a floured surface to prepare for cutting.
- Cut Pastry Squares. Cut the rolled-out puff pastry into 3-inch squares, providing the perfect size for individual finger foods.
- Add Ham and Cheese. Place a slice or small cube of cooked ham and a piece of cheddar or Gruyère cheese in the center of each square.
- Fold and Seal. Fold each square into a triangle or rectangle shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal the filling inside and prevent leakage during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet. Place the prepared pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space for them to puff up while baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Season. Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish, then sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper and chopped chives for flavor and garnish.
- Chill Pastries. Chill the filled pastries in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for puff pastry baking.
- Bake Until Golden. Bake the pastries for 15 to 20 minutes until they are puffed up and have a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Cool and Serve. Allow the pastries to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to avoid burns and to let the flavors set.
Notes
- Use cold ingredients when handling puff pastry to maintain its flakiness.
- Variations can include adding mustard or herbs inside for extra flavor.
- Ensure edges are well sealed to prevent filling from escaping during baking.
- Serve warm for the best texture and taste.
- These finger foods can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
