Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hand Pies Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s melt-in-your-mouth flaky, perfectly cheesy, and just a bit indulgent, these Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hand Pies are about to become your new favorite. Imagine golden layers of buttery pastry enveloping smoky ham and Gruyère, with each bite offering the perfect balance between crisp, creaminess, and savory delight. Whether you serve them as a party appetizer, a cozy brunch treat, or just a quick lunch, these hand pies are bound to win hearts with their irresistible flavor and simple, fuss-free prep.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll unlock the magic of these Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hand Pies. Each component is carefully chosen to deliver the ultimate texture and flavor, so don’t underestimate the impact of even the simplest item in this recipe!

• Puff Pastry Sheets: Store-bought frozen puff pastry is the secret shortcut that delivers ultra-flaky layers without any effort—just remember to thaw before using!
• Ham: Choose thinly sliced, high-quality ham for the juiciest and most flavorful filling; smoked or honey-roasted works beautifully.
• Gruyère Cheese: Nutty and slightly sweet, Gruyère melts into gooey, rich ribbons and pairs perfectly with the savory ham.
• Dijon Mustard: A swipe of Dijon brings a zippy brightness and balances out the richness of the pastry and cheese.
• Egg: A quick egg wash gives your hand pies that glorious golden finish and irresistible shine.
• Black Pepper: A crack or two of fresh black pepper adds a subtle peppery note that complements the filling.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hand Pies

Step 1: Prep Your Pastry

Begin by thawing your puff pastry according to the package instructions, then gently unfold it onto a lightly floured surface. Carefully smooth out any creases with a rolling pin, making sure not to overwork the dough—this keeps all those flaky layers intact. Cut the pastry into even squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred hand pie shape.

Step 2: Layer on the Goodness

Spread a thin, even layer of Dijon mustard in the center of each pastry square, leaving a border all the way around. Top with a slice or two of ham and a generous sprinkle of Gruyère cheese. Don’t overload—just enough for a full-flavored bite but so you can still seal the edges.

Step 3: Seal and Crimp

Brush the bare edges with beaten egg, then fold the pastry over to create a pocket. Gently press the edges to seal, and use a fork to crimp all the way around for that classic hand pie look. This step not only looks lovely but helps keep all the cheesy goodness inside while baking.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

Arrange the assembled hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops generously with more beaten egg and add a crack of black pepper for a little extra flair. Pop the tray in a preheated oven and bake until your Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hand Pies are puffed and deeply golden—usually around 20-25 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let the hand pies rest for a few minutes before serving. The cheese inside will be piping hot but the pastry will become even crispier as it cools slightly. Serve while warm, and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hand Pies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs—think chives, parsley, or even a bit of thyme—will add color and fresh flavor to your Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hand Pies. A light dusting of finely grated Parmesan or a few extra cracks of black pepper can also give them irresistible finishing touches.

Side Dishes

For a light lunch, serve your hand pies with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. They also pair beautifully with tomato soup, a creamy coleslaw, or even a platter of pickles and olives for a more snacky spread. The goal is to keep the sides fresh and not too heavy so your Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hand Pies remain the main attraction.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your hand pies diagonally and arranging them on a platter with little bowls of dipping sauces—Dijon mayo, honey mustard, or spicy ketchup add a playful touch. For a brunch buffet, stack them high on a cake stand lined with herbs for a fun, rustic vibe, or pack them into lunchboxes for a surprise that’s sure to beat any sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftover Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hand Pies, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Re-crisping them before eating will bring back that just-baked magic.

Freezing

You can make these hand pies ahead and freeze them either before or after baking! For uncooked pies, assemble, freeze in a single layer until firm, then store in a zip-top bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few more minutes. If already baked, just cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to a month.

Reheating

To reheat, place cold or frozen hand pies on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and crispy, about 10–15 minutes. This reheating method helps restore the pastry’s flakiness far better than a microwave ever could.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While Gruyère creates that signature savory richness, Swiss, cheddar, or even mozzarella work beautifully in Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hand Pies. Pick your favorite or mix a few for extra flavor dimension.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

No worries—a swipe of yellow mustard, honey mustard, or even a touch of mayo will still perk up the flavor. You can also simply omit it if you’re not a mustard fan.

Do I have to use store-bought puff pastry?

Store-bought puff pastry is one of the best shortcuts, but if you love making things from scratch, homemade pastry will make your Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hand Pies even more impressive. Just make sure it’s rolled thin for a crisp, even bake.

Can I make mini versions?

Absolutely! Cut your pastry into smaller squares, use less filling, and reduce the baking time slightly. Mini Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hand Pies are adorable party bites or after-school snacks.

Are these good at room temperature?

They’re tastiest fresh from the oven—crisp, warm, and melty—but Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hand Pies still taste lovely at room temperature for picnics or lunchboxes. Just keep in mind the pastry softens a bit as it sits.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a savory bake that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and just downright tasty, Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Hand Pies are a must-try. They come together in a flash, taste incredible straight from the oven, and are guaranteed to make you the hero of any gathering. Trust me, you’ll want to bake these over and over again!

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