Ham Cheese Spinach Puffs: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Ham cheese spinach puffs: Prepare to be amazed by these delectable, bite-sized morsels of pure joy! Imagine flaky, golden-brown puff pastry embracing a warm, savory filling of smoky ham, melted cheese, and vibrant spinach. These aren’t just appetizers; they’re an experience. I remember the first time my grandmother made these for a holiday gathering. The aroma alone was enough to draw everyone into the kitchen, eager to snatch one fresh from the oven.

While the exact origins of combining ham, cheese, and spinach in pastry are somewhat obscure, the concept of savory fillings encased in dough dates back centuries across various cultures. Think of the Cornish pasty in England or the spanakopita in Greece – each a testament to the enduring appeal of portable, flavorful comfort food. These ham cheese spinach puffs tap into that same primal satisfaction.

What makes these puffs so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The buttery, crisp pastry gives way to a soft, cheesy interior with the salty ham and earthy spinach providing a delightful contrast. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for parties, brunch, or even a quick weeknight snack. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable – feel free to experiment with different cheeses, meats, or vegetables to create your own signature version. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these addictive little treats!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet (14.1 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 4 ounces thinly sliced ham, such as Black Forest or Virginia ham
• 4 ounces Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, washed and thoroughly dried
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk or water
• Everything bagel seasoning, for sprinkling (optional)

Preparing the Spinach Filling:

Okay, let’s start with the spinach filling. This is a crucial step because nobody wants soggy puff pastry! We need to wilt the spinach and get rid of excess moisture.

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the spinach. You don’t want to overcrowd it.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. The aroma should be lovely!
3. Wilt the Spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet in batches. If you add it all at once, it will overflow. Stir frequently until the spinach wilts down significantly. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don’t worry, it shrinks a lot!
4. Season the Spinach: Season the wilted spinach with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine the seasonings evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
5. Remove Excess Moisture: This is the most important step! Transfer the wilted spinach to a colander lined with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. You want the spinach to be relatively dry. This will prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy. Trust me, don’t skip this step! You can also use your hands to squeeze the spinach.
6. Chop the Spinach: Once the spinach is squeezed dry, roughly chop it. This will make it easier to distribute evenly in the puff pastry.
7. Set Aside: Set the prepared spinach filling aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.

Assembling the Ham, Cheese, and Spinach Puffs:

Now for the fun part – assembling the puffs! This is where all the delicious flavors come together.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the puffs from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. If the pastry is very cold and stiff, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
3. Cut the Puff Pastry: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry sheet into 9 equal squares. You should have 3 rows of 3 squares.
4. Layer the Ingredients: On each puff pastry square, layer the ingredients in the following order: a slice of ham, a slice of Swiss cheese, a spoonful of the prepared spinach filling, another slice of Swiss cheese, and finally, another slice of ham. This layering helps to distribute the flavors evenly and prevents the spinach from making the pastry soggy.
5. Fold the Puffs: Fold each puff pastry square diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a tight seal. This is important to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
6. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk or water. This egg wash will give the puffs a beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy finish.
7. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the top of each puff with the egg wash. Be sure to cover the entire surface for even browning.
8. Sprinkle with Seasoning (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the tops of the puffs with everything bagel seasoning. This adds a delicious savory flavor and a nice textural element. You can also use sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the assembled puffs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each puff. This will allow for even baking and prevent them from sticking together.

Baking the Ham, Cheese, and Spinach Puffs:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake these beauties until they’re golden brown and puffy.

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
2. Cool Slightly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the puffs cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from becoming soggy.
3. Serve: Serve the ham, cheese, and spinach puffs warm or at room temperature. They are delicious as an appetizer, a snack, or even a light meal.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to make these puffs even more amazing!

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious in these puffs.
• Ham Variations: You can also use different types of ham, such as prosciutto or salami.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian option, omit the ham and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spinach filling for a little heat.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the puffs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: These puffs can also be frozen. Assemble the puffs, but do not bake them. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the spinach filling for extra flavor.
• Mustard: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the puff pastry before adding the ham, cheese, and spinach.

Serving Suggestions:

These ham, cheese, and spinach puffs are incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Appetizer: Serve them as an appetizer at your next party or gathering.
• Snack: Enjoy them as a satisfying snack any time of day.
• Light Meal: Serve them with a side salad for a light and easy meal.
• Brunch: Add them to your brunch spread for a delicious and savory option.
• Lunchbox: Pack them in your lunchbox for a tasty and convenient lunch.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious ham, cheese, and spinach puffs! They are a crowd-pleaser and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Ham, Cheese, and Spinach Puffs are truly a must-try recipe, and I’m confident they’ll become a new favorite in your household. They’re incredibly versatile, satisfyingly delicious, and surprisingly easy to make, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a delightful brunch addition, or even a sophisticated appetizer for your next gathering. The flaky puff pastry, the savory ham, the creamy cheese, and the vibrant spinach all come together in perfect harmony, creating a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.

But the best part? You can easily customize these puffs to suit your own tastes and preferences. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Or, swap out the ham for cooked bacon or shredded chicken. For a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead of the ham. The possibilities are endless! You can also experiment with different cheeses – Gruyere, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar would all work beautifully. And if you’re looking to add even more flavor, a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to the spinach mixture will take these puffs to the next level.

When it comes to serving, these Ham, Cheese, and Spinach Puffs are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm as a main course with a side salad for a light and satisfying meal. They’re also fantastic as part of a brunch spread, alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a mimosa or two. For a party appetizer, cut the puff pastry into smaller squares before baking to create bite-sized versions that are perfect for mingling. And don’t forget the dipping sauce! A creamy Dijon mustard sauce, a tangy honey mustard, or even a simple marinara sauce would all complement the flavors of the puffs perfectly.

I truly believe that this recipe is a winner, and I can’t wait for you to try it for yourself. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and the ease of preparation makes it a recipe that you’ll turn to again and again. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some extra spinach into your diet! So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some culinary magic. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Once you’ve made these Ham, Cheese, and Spinach Puffs, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? I’m always eager to learn from your experiences and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. So, don’t be shy – share your culinary adventures with me and the rest of the community. Happy baking!

I am sure that you will enjoy this Ham, Cheese, and Spinach Puffs recipe as much as I do!