Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets

These Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets are flaky, buttery, and filled with savory ham and gooey melted cheese. They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, snacks, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet (8 oz/225 g) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 6 oz (170 g) sliced deli ham
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp water

Optional Toppings

• Sesame seeds
• Poppy seeds
• Everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly flour a work surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry.
3. Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares.
4. If using, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each square.
5. Place a slice or two of ham on one half of each square.
6. Top with shredded cheese and a sprinkle of dried parsley.
7. Fold the pastry over the filling to form rectangles or triangles.
8. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
9. Whisk the egg with the water to make an egg wash and brush it over each pastry.
10. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or your preferred topping, if desired.
11. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown.
12. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Place the prepared puff pastry pockets in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
3. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and the pastry is fully cooked.
4. Cook in batches if necessary.

Tips

• Keep the puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use for the best rise.
• Don’t overfill the pockets, or the cheese may leak out.
• Seal the edges well with a fork to keep the filling inside.
• Let the pastries cool slightly before eating, as the filling will be very hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Tomato soup
• Garden salad
• Potato wedges
• Coleslaw
• Fresh fruit
• Honey mustard or ranch dip

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until crisp.
• Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked pockets for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes (Oven) or 10–12 minutes (Air Fryer)
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 410 calories per pocket