An easy yet elegant looking meal, these Baked Ham and Cheese Squares are meaty, cheesy and full of flavor! Perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner!
Baked Ham and Cheese Squares: Your Ultimate Savory Delight
Prepare to elevate your mealtime with our irresistible Baked Ham and Cheese Squares recipe. This culinary creation combines the flaky perfection of puff pastry with a rich, savory filling of diced ham, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce. Whether you’re planning an elegant brunch, a satisfying lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, these squares are guaranteed to be a hit. They offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making them a versatile and much-loved addition to any menu. Effortlessly chic yet incredibly simple to prepare, these squares are the secret weapon for every home cook looking to impress.
Why These Baked Ham and Cheese Squares Are a Must-Try
These savory pastries have earned their place as a cherished favorite for countless reasons. Imagine the joy of serving a dish that consistently receives rave reviews, from busy teachers during appreciation week to family and friends at holiday gatherings. Their widespread appeal stems from a harmonious blend of simple ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable taste experience. Here’s why these Baked Ham and Cheese Squares should be your next culinary adventure:
- Effortlessly Elegant: Despite their sophisticated appearance, these squares are surprisingly easy to make, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Irresistibly Flavorful: The classic combination of savory ham and rich, melted cheese is enhanced by a creamy, seasoned sauce, creating a depth of flavor that’s truly satisfying.
- Ultimate Versatility: Whether you need a quick breakfast, a hearty brunch item, a light lunch, or a delightful dinner component, these squares fit every occasion. They also make fantastic appetizers for parties.
- Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: From school events to family brunches, these squares are a proven hit, always leaving guests asking for the recipe.
- Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite cheeses, meats, or vegetables to suit any preference or dietary need.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and bake when ready, making meal prep a breeze for busy schedules or special events.
If you’re looking to refresh your usual meal routines or need a reliable recipe that promises delicious results every time, these Baked Ham and Cheese Squares are the answer. Their delicate puff pastry exterior, coupled with the robust filling, creates a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You will need 2 sheets of puff pastry. Most standard packages of frozen puff pastry are sold with 2 sheets per package, making it convenient for this recipe. Ensure they are fully thawed before use for best results.
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. While Swiss and Gouda offer a wonderful flavor profile, feel free to substitute with any of your favorite cheeses. Excellent alternatives include sharp cheddar, white cheddar, Muenster, or even pepper jack if you’re craving a little spicy kick. Experiment to find your perfect cheesy combination!
Not at all! While ham is a classic choice, these squares are incredibly versatile. They would be equally amazing with cooked crumbled bacon, breakfast sausage, or even shredded chicken. Just remember that any meat addition should be cooked thoroughly and diced before incorporating it into the filling mixture to ensure proper texture and cooking time.
Yes, thawing the puff pastry is crucial! Do not attempt to use frozen puff pastry, as it will be brittle, difficult to handle, and prone to breaking. Always follow the instructions on your puff pastry package for thawing. Typically, you can set it out on your kitchen counter at room temperature for about 40 minutes, or until it’s pliable but still cool to the touch. This ensures a beautifully flaky and airy crust.
Definitely! This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Consider adding finely diced bell peppers (any color), sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or thyme. Just be mindful not to overfill the squares to ensure they seal properly during baking. Ensure any vegetables with high water content are pre-cooked and drained to prevent a soggy pastry.
Diced cooked ham is a convenient shortcut that can usually be found in a few locations at your local grocery store. Check near the pre-packaged deli meats, next to the larger ham slices, or in the refrigerated section where other cold cuts and breakfast meats are sold. If you can’t find pre-diced ham, you can easily buy a thicker slice of cooked ham and dice it yourself at home.
Leftover Baked Ham and Cheese Squares can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, these squares freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking. They will keep for up to 3 months. To defrost, transfer them to the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Key Ingredients for Baked Ham and Cheese Squares
Crafting these delectable squares requires a selection of readily available ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the final flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few notes for optimal results:
- Puff Pastry: The foundation of our squares, providing that coveted flaky texture. Ensure it’s thawed properly for easy handling.
- Salted Butter: Used for sautéing the onions and creating the base for our creamy sauce, adding richness and depth.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for thickening the sauce, giving it a smooth and luscious consistency.
- Milk: The liquid base for our white sauce, contributing to its creamy texture and mild flavor.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to your taste.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle aromatic warmth to the filling, complementing the savory ham and cheese.
- Diced Cooked Ham: The star of our filling. Using pre-cooked and diced ham saves time and ensures even distribution.
- Fresh Spinach: (Optional but highly recommended) Adds a touch of freshness, color, and a boost of nutrients. It wilts down beautifully into the filling.
- White Onion (or Shallot): Sautéed until translucent, it provides a gentle sweetness and aromatic base for the filling.
- Swiss or Gouda Cheese: These cheeses offer a wonderful melt and distinctive flavor that pairs perfectly with ham. Feel free to use your favorite cheese for customization.
- Large Egg: Used for the egg wash, which gives the puff pastry a beautiful golden-brown, glossy finish.
- Water: Mixed with the egg for the egg wash, helping it to spread evenly over the pastry.
Gathering these ingredients is the first step towards creating a truly memorable culinary experience. Each component contributes to the overall deliciousness, promising a delightful treat for everyone.
How to Make Baked Ham and Cheese Squares: Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these delightful ham and cheese squares is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly golden, flaky pastries bursting with savory flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully remove the thawed puff pastry sheets from their packaging. Lay each sheet flat on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or a pastry wheel, cut each sheet into four equal 5-inch squares. This will give you a total of 8 squares. Cover the cut pastry squares loosely with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling. Keeping them chilled prevents them from becoming too soft and difficult to handle.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of the salted butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced white onions (or shallots) to the melted butter. Sauté them for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent. This step brings out their natural sweetness. Once cooked, remove the sautéed onions from the saucepan and set them aside in a small bowl.
Step 3: Prepare the Roux and Sauce Base
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same saucepan and allow it to melt completely over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is slightly sizzling, stir in the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk. The flour mixture will gradually become a light golden brown, indicating that the raw flour taste has cooked out. This forms the roux, which is the base for our creamy sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Gradually whisk in ½ cup of milk into the flour mixture, ensuring it is well combined and smooth, with no lumps. Once incorporated, slowly pour in and whisk the remaining ½ cup of milk. Continue to cook the sauce over medium-low heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly. The sauce will begin to thicken beautifully. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 10 minutes, whisking occasionally. This simmering period allows the sauce to fully thicken and for the flavors to meld. Regular whisking will prevent the bottom from burning and ensure a perfectly smooth consistency.
Step 5: Fold in the Spinach
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the chopped fresh spinach directly into the hot sauce. Stir gently until the spinach has completely wilted. The residual heat from the sauce will be sufficient to cook the spinach without overdoing it, ensuring it retains its vibrant color and tender texture. If you’re not using spinach, you can skip this step.
Step 6: Combine the Filling Ingredients
Once the spinach has wilted, stir in the previously sautéed onions, the diced cooked ham, and ½ cup of the grated Swiss or Gouda cheese into the sauce. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the creamy sauce. This creates a rich, hearty, and incredibly flavorful filling for our puff pastry squares.
Step 7: Assemble the Squares
Retrieve the chilled puff pastry squares from the refrigerator. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Place the puff pastry squares onto the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between each one. Scoop approximately two tablespoons of the delicious ham and cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make folding difficult.
Step 8: Add More Cheese and Fold
Divide the remaining ½ cup of grated cheese evenly among the squares, sprinkling it directly on top of the ham and cheese filling. This extra layer of cheese will create a wonderfully gooey center. Now, carefully fold the corners of each puff pastry square into the center, gently pressing them together to form a sealed pocket over the filling. Ensure the edges are well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Step 9: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and 1 tablespoon of cold water until well combined. This mixture creates an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg wash over the top of each folded pastry square. The egg wash will give the squares a beautiful golden-brown color and a lovely sheen once baked. Transfer the baking tray to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is fully puffed, golden brown, and cooked through.
Step 10: Cool, Garnish, and Serve
Once baked to perfection, remove the tray from the oven. Allow the pastry squares to cool slightly on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps the pastry set and makes them easier to handle. Before serving, you can optionally garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for an added touch of color and freshness. Enjoy these warm, flaky, and incredibly satisfying Baked Ham and Cheese Squares!
Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Ham and Cheese Squares
- Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: This is key! If it’s too cold, it will crack. If it’s too warm, it will be sticky and difficult to work with. Aim for pliable but still cool.
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting, overfilling the squares can lead to leakage during baking and prevent them from sealing properly. Stick to the recommended two tablespoons.
- Secure the Edges: Pinch the folded corners firmly to create a good seal. This ensures the filling stays inside and the pastry puffs up beautifully.
- Even Egg Wash: A consistent layer of egg wash ensures an even golden-brown crust. Don’t forget the sides!
- Baking Sheet with Parchment: Always use parchment paper. It prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup, plus it helps the bottom crust get golden.
- Allow to Cool Slightly: Hot fillings can be extremely hot! Let the squares cool for a few minutes before diving in to prevent burns and allow the filling to set.
- Quality Ham and Cheese: The better the quality of your ham and cheese, the more flavorful your squares will be. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These Baked Ham and Cheese Squares are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. For a complete meal, pair them with a fresh green salad or a simple fruit salad. They are delightful alongside a warm bowl of soup for a comforting lunch or dinner. For brunch, serve them with mimosas, coffee, and other breakfast favorites.
Feeling creative? Here are some variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your sauce or use pepper jack cheese for a bit of heat.
- Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate fresh chopped chives, dill, or thyme into the filling.
- Vegetable Power-Up: Beyond spinach, consider sautéed finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a tablespoon of drained sun-dried tomatoes.
- Meat Swaps: As mentioned, bacon or sausage are excellent alternatives to ham. For a non-pork option, try smoked turkey or chicken.
- Different Cheese Profiles: Explore other cheese options like smoked provolone, fontina, or Gruyère for varied flavor experiences.
- Sweet & Savory: A drizzle of maple syrup or honey over the ham before adding it to the sauce can add a delightful sweet and savory note.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these Baked Ham and Cheese Squares, be sure to explore more of our savory recipes that are perfect for any occasion:
- Classic Ham Quiche
- Hearty Ham Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
- Decadent Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole
- Fluffy Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
- Sweet & Savory Glazed Ham and Cheese Croissants
- Comforting Warm Honey Ham Biscuits
- Easy Breakfast Bundt Cake
- Quick Microwave Omelet in a Mug
- Creative Leftover Ham Recipes
- Elegant Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry Bites
Baked Ham and Cheese Squares
An easy yet elegant looking meal, these Baked Ham and Cheese Squares are meaty, cheesy and full of flavor! Perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (thawed at room temperature for about 40 minutes)
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided use
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
- ⅓ cup diced white onion (or shallot)
- 1 cup grated Swiss or Gouda cheese, divided use
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove thawed puff pastry from packaging and cut each sheet into four 5-inch squares. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter to melt. Add the diced onions and sauté for several minutes until softened and translucent. Set the onions aside.
- Add the remaining butter to the saucepan. Once the butter has melted, stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the flour becomes a light golden brown.
- Whisk in ½ cup of milk until well combined with the flour mixture, then pour in and whisk the remaining milk. Cook the sauce for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 10 minutes, whisking occasionally to prevent the bottom of the sauce from burning and to remove any lumps.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped spinach.
- Once the spinach has wilted, stir in the sautéed onions, diced ham, and ½ cup of the grated cheese.
- Remove the puff pastry squares from the refrigerator and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Scoop two tablespoons of the ham cheese mixture onto the center of each square.
- Divide the remaining grated cheese between the squares and sprinkle on top of the ham cheese sauce.
- Fold the corners into the center of each puff pastry square to form a pocket over the ham and cheese.
- Whisk the egg and tablespoon of cold water together to create a wash, and brush the mixture over the top of each of the folded pastry squares.
- Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry puffs are fully cooked and a light golden brown.
- Allow the pastry to cool slightly before serving, garnish with parsley (optional), and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe can easily be doubled to serve more people.
- Swap the ham out for cooked bacon or sausage for a different flavor profile.
- You can use any of your favorite cheeses for customization.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- These can be frozen; place cooled squares in a freezer container and they will keep for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 32 g |
Protein: 17 g |
Fat: 37 g |
Sodium: 786 mg |
Fiber: 1 g |
Sugar: 3 g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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Conclusion: A Savory Delight for Every Occasion
These Baked Ham and Cheese Squares are more than just a recipe; they are a versatile, flavorful solution for any mealtime dilemma. Their flaky, golden puff pastry encases a rich, creamy filling that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a special holiday brunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or need an impressive appetizer, these squares deliver on taste and elegance without demanding hours in the kitchen. With their simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and experience the simple joy of a truly delicious homemade pastry that everyone will adore!