– 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)
– 1 cup cooked ham (shredded or diced)
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
– Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Creating these scrumptious Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks is simple and straightforward. Just follow these easy steps:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smoothen it out and make it slightly larger.
3. Cut the Pastry: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the pastry into long strips, approximately 1 inch wide.
4. Add Filling: On one half of each strip, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard if desired. Then, place a generous amount of shredded ham and cheese.
5. Fold the Pastry: Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, sealing the edges by pressing down gently with your fingers or a fork.
6. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the filled pastry sticks to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and crispy.
8. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
Following these simple steps will lead you to a fantastic batch of Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks that you can’t wait to devour!