Ham & Cheese Spinach Puffs
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 shallot
finely chopped
- 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
plus more for surface
- 1 c. whole milk
- 1 1/2 c. shredded Gruyère
divided, about 4 oz.
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
plus more
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
plus more
- 1 pkg. frozen chopped spinach
thawed, squeezed dry, 10-oz.
- 8 oz. ham steak
cut into 1/4" cubes, divided, about 1 1/2 c.
- 1 box frozen puff pastry
thawed, 17.3-oz.
- 1 large egg
lightly beaten
- 1 tsp. cold water
Directions
- 1
In a medium pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Whisk in flour to form a thick, bubbling paste, then whisk in milk. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.
- 2
Remove pot from heat and whisk in 1 cup Gruyère just until melted; season with salt and pepper. Fold in spinach and 1 cup ham. Let cool.
- 3
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. On a lightly floured surface, roll 1 sheet of puff pastry to a 15"-by-10" rectangle. Using a sharp knife, cut into 6 equal squares, each about 5"x5". Transfer squares to one of the prepared sheets. Repeat with remaining sheet of puff pastry and baking sheet.
- 4
Dollop 3 tablespoons cooled filling into center of each square. Press 5 to 6 pieces of remaining ham into top of each. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Gruyère. Fold corners of each square to meet in the center. Refrigerate pastries until chilled, 15 to 30 minutes.
- 5
Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 400°. In a small bowl, whisk egg, water, and a pinch of salt. Brush egg wash over chilled pastries.
- 6
Bake puffs, rotating sheets top to bottom after 10 minutes, until pastry is golden brown on top and bottom, 15 to 20 minutes. Top with more pepper and serve warm.
Ham & Cheese Spinach Puffs
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving a delightful and easy-to-make brunch item that feels special? These Ham & Cheese Spinach Puffs are exactly what you need, combining flaky, golden pastry with a rich, savory filling that's perfect for any gathering.
The magic of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity and the harmonious blend of flavors. Using convenient puff pastry makes them approachable for any home cook, while the creamy filling, enriched with Gruyère cheese, tender ham, and earthy spinach, creates a truly irresistible bite. This recipe elevates classic breakfast ingredients into a sophisticated treat.
Prepare to enjoy a wonderfully balanced pastry puff that's both savory and incredibly satisfying. You'll experience the crisp, buttery layers of the baked puff pastry giving way to a warm, luscious filling. The nutty notes of the Gruyère complement the salty ham and vibrant spinach beautifully, all bound together in a creamy sauce, created from butter, shallot, flour, and whole milk. Each puff is a testament to how simple ingredients, carefully combined, can yield extraordinary results, making them a fantastic addition to any brunch table or even a light lunch.
While Gruyère cheese is highly recommended for its distinctive flavor and excellent melt, you can certainly experiment with other good melting cheeses like sharp white cheddar or Swiss for a slightly different profile. Feel free to swap the ham steak for leftover cooked chicken, or for a vegetarian option, you could omit the ham entirely and add extra vegetables. A dash of nutmeg in the filling also pairs wonderfully with spinach and cheese.
These savory pastry puffs are an absolute showstopper for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress without the fuss. Serve them warm, perhaps alongside a fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad, for a complete and utterly delicious meal.