Ham And Cheese Puff Pastry
Ingredients
2 puff pastry sheets
3/4 pound ham, cut into small cubes
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
1 egg and 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
Instructions
Allow the puff pastry sheets to thaw naturally at room temperature.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Take out one puff pastry sheet. Place it on a greased baking sheet.
Evenly spread the ham on the pastry followed by a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Leave an inch of space along the edges.
Create an egg wash by beating an egg with a tablespoon of water.
Use a brush to apply the egg wash, along the edges of the pastry.
Take the puff pastry sheet. Carefully position it over the ham and cheese. Press down on the edges to seal them together.
Make cuts on top of the pastry for ventilation purposes brush it with any remaining egg wash.
Place it in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes until you achieve a golden brown color, on top of the pastry.
Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into eight pieces. Serve while still warm.
Notes
To make this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry into a gluten-free treat the key is to choose the right puff pastry. Fortunately, the culinary world has embraced gluten-free cooking. There are now several brands that offer high-quality gluten-free puff pastry sheets. These sheets are specially made to replicate the flakiness and texture of pastry ensuring that you won’t miss out on the experience.
When shopping for your puff pastry make sure to check the labels, for any warnings about cross-contamination if you’re highly sensitive to gluten. Also take a moment to ensure that the ham and cheese you choose are also gluten-free because some processed meats and cheeses may contain additives with gluten.
In the kitchen handle the gluten-free pastry with as much care and attention as you would its traditional counterpart. Keep in mind that gluten-free pastry may behave differently so be gentle when rolling or unfolding it to avoid tearing. With these substitutions, you can savor the heavenly combination of flaky pastry, savory ham and melted cheese in a version that’s just as satisfying, as the original but free of gluten.