Ham, Cheese & Spinach Puffs

Introduction

Nothing elevates a casual brunch, picnic, or party spread like golden, flaky Ham, Cheese & Spinach Puffs. These bite-sized parcels combine creamy cheese, salty ham, and nutritious spinach inside a crisp, buttery pastry. The flavors are irresistible, and the puffs can be served warm or at room temperature, making them the perfect crowd-pleaser for all occasions.

Why Make Ham, Cheese & Spinach Puffs?

These savory puffs are a masterclass in balance and texture—rich ham and gooey cheese meet the slight earthiness of spinach, all encased in a crisp pastry shell. They’re wonderfully simple to make with store-bought puff pastry and can be prepped ahead for effortless entertaining. With their beautiful appearance and universal flavors, they’re guaranteed to disappear quickly from any serving tray.

Prepping the Filling for Maximum Flavor

For the most flavorful filling, start with finely chopped ham and fresh or frozen spinach (thawed and well-drained). The addition of shredded cheese provides oozy richness, while a touch of garlic and black pepper deepens the taste. Use a sharp knife or a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for consistent, finely diced ham and onions, speeding up your prep and ensuring even bites.

In a nonstick pan like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant before adding spinach to drive off excess moisture. Mixing everything off the heat keeps the cheese from melting prematurely and helps maintain a satisfyingly chunky filling.

Assembling Ham, Cheese & Spinach Puffs

Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into even squares. Place a generous spoonful of filling in the center of each square, then fold over and seal to form neat pockets. A fork is handy for crimping the edges, ensuring none of the cheesy filling escapes during baking.

To prevent sticking and guarantee golden, evenly baked puffs, line your baking tray with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. Brush the tops with a little beaten egg for a glossy finish.

Baking or Air Frying: Two Foolproof Methods

You can bake these puffs in a conventional oven for that classic layered crisp, or use an air fryer such as the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt for extra speed and convenience. The air fryer yields remarkably crisp results with less mess and minimal preheating time.

If using the air fryer, arrange the puffs in a single layer spaced apart, and check for doneness a few minutes earlier than oven directions since air fryers cook quickly and evenly.

Serving and Storing Your Puffs

Serve your Ham, Cheese & Spinach Puffs either fresh from the oven or cooled slightly for easy handling. They pair beautifully with a simple green salad or a tangy dipping sauce. For parties or meal prep, transfer leftovers to Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for fresh-keeping and easy transport.

These puffs also make for a wonderful portable lunch when packed in a Bentgo Salad Container alongside crisp veggies or fruit.

Nutritional Information and Yield

This recipe yields about 12–15 puffs, perfect for sharing. Each serving contains approximately 150–180 calories, depending on the cheese and ham used. They’re an indulgent but wholesome treat—rich in protein and iron from the ham and spinach.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll.
2. Heat SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium. Add olive oil, then sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in spinach and cook until just wilted and excess moisture evaporates. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked spinach mixture, diced ham (use Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper if desired), shredded cheese, and black pepper. Add nutmeg if using.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry and cut into squares (about 3-inch squares for appetizers, 4-inch for larger puffs).
5. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of filling into the center of each square. Fold pastry over to form triangles or rectangles and press the edges together. Crimp with a fork for a tight seal.
6. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
7. Bake for 16–20 minutes until golden brown and puffed. If using an COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, air fry at 370°F for 10–12 minutes, in batches if necessary.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recap: Why You’ll Love These Puffs

Ham, Cheese & Spinach Puffs are irresistibly flaky, filled with melty cheese, and loaded with savory flavor. They’re perfect for make-ahead meals, parties, or anytime you crave something hearty and simple. Try them once, and you’ll want to keep this crowd-pleasing recipe in your back pocket forever!