Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the thawed puff pastry sheet on a floured surface. Roll it out slightly to ensure it’s an even thickness. This will make cutting out your bites easier.
Step 2: Cut the Dough
- Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the pastry into squares, around 2-3 inches in size. You want them bite-sized but not so small that they lose all that delicious filling.
Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce
- In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, cooking for about a minute until it forms a roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the salt, thyme, Dijon mustard, and nutmeg. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Mix the Cheese and Ham
- In a bowl, combine the diced ham, Gruyère, Emmental, Parmesan, roasted garlic powder, crushed dried thyme, and black pepper. This cheesy mixture will be heavenly, making your bites rich and satisfying.
Step 5: Assemble the Bites
- Lay out half of your pastry squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each square. Then, spoon in the ham and cheese mixture generously. Top with a drizzle of the béchamel sauce. Place another pastry square on top of each filled square, pressing down lightly to seal the edges.
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash
- Using a small bowl, beat the egg with a fork. Brush the tops of each pastry square with the egg wash. This will help them achieve that golden color and flaky texture in the oven.
Step 7: Bake
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and puffed up. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it very hard to resist until they’re cool enough to handle!
Notes
- Use Quality Cheese: The better the cheese, the richer the flavor. Invest in good-quality cheeses.
- Don’t Skip the Béchamel: It adds moisture and depth.
- Adjust the Fillings: Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you prefer or have at hand.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble these a few hours in advance. Just cover and chill before baking.
- Serve Immediately: These bites taste best straight out of the oven.
