Savory Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Stack

What this is

Layers of buttery puff pastry baked with ham and a creamy cheese filling, then cut into thick squares. Crispy, rich, and VERY snackable.

Ingredients (serves 4–6)

Pastry

1 package puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
1 egg (for egg wash)

Filling

6–8 slices cooked ham (thinly sliced)
1½ cups shredded cheese
(Gruyère, Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar — or a mix)
½ cup cream cheese or ricotta (softened)
2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional: pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder

Topping

Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional)

Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Knife or pizza cutter
Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & prep

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the cheese layer

In a bowl, mix:

Cream cheese (or ricotta)
Heavy cream
Salt
Pepper
Nutmeg or garlic powder (if using)

Stir until smooth and spreadable. This gives that creamy middle layer you see in the photo.

3. Roll & cut the puff pastry

Lightly roll out each puff pastry sheet just to even it out.

Cut each sheet into equal rectangles or squares (about 3×3 inches).

You should have an even number of pieces.

4. Assemble the stacks

On half of the pastry pieces:

Spread a thin layer of the cheese mixture
Add a layer of ham
Sprinkle shredded cheese

Top with another pastry square.

👉 For extra layers like the photo, repeat once more:

Cheese → ham → cheese → pastry

Gently press down.

5. Egg wash

Beat the egg and brush the tops lightly.

This gives that deep golden, glossy finish.

Optional: sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt on top.

6. Bake

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, until:

Puff pastry is fully risen
Tops are golden brown
Cheese is melted and bubbling

If they puff unevenly, gently press them down halfway through baking.

7. Finish & serve

Let rest 5 minutes before cutting or serving — this helps layers set.

Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.

Texture & Flavor

Top: crispy, flaky, buttery
Middle: creamy, cheesy, savory ham
Overall: rich, comforting, bakery-level good

Pro Tips for Perfect Layers

Keep pastry cold before baking
Don’t overload filling — clean layers = better rise
Use Gruyère or Swiss for that classic ham flavor
Want sharper taste? Add a little Dijon between layers

Variations

🥓 Bacon + cheddar
🍄 Mushroom + Swiss (vegetarian)
🥚 Add a thin omelet layer for breakfast stacks
🌶️ Add chili flakes or jalapeños for heat