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Cheesy Potato and Ham Puff Pastry Bake

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Written By Hayyat

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This recipe layers seasoned mashed potatoes with ham and cheese, all wrapped in a golden puff pastry. It’s quick to make and provides a warm, satisfying meal with a wonderful balance of textures from the crispy pastry to the creamy interior.


Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade, thawed if frozen)
  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced into small cubes (about 1/2 lb or 225g)
  • 3 medium-sized potatoes (about 2 cups mashed)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice, like mozzarella or Gruyère)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or heavy cream)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

  • Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Temperature: Medium heat
  1. Peel and Boil the Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into equal-sized chunks. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Let the potatoes cook for about 10-12 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
  2. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and sour cream (or heavy cream) to the potatoes. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

  • Time: 5 minutes
  • Temperature: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).

Step 3: Assemble the Puff Pastry Bake

  • Time: 10 minutes
  1. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any folds. If using store-bought puff pastry, make sure it’s thawed before handling. If using homemade, roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches).
  2. Layer the Filling:
    • Spread a generous layer of mashed potatoes over the center of the puff pastry, leaving about a 2-inch border on all sides.
    • Evenly distribute the diced ham over the mashed potatoes.
    • Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the ham and potatoes.
  3. Fold the Pastry: Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling to create a rustic-looking parcel, leaving the center open. You can fold the sides up to cover the filling or simply leave the edges folded over to make a more open bake.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Wash

  • Time: 2 minutes
  1. Make the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water. This egg wash will give the pastry a golden and glossy finish when baked.
  2. Brush the Pastry: Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the folded puff pastry with the egg wash. Make sure to cover all visible pastry edges.

Step 5: Bake the Puff Pastry

  • Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
  1. Place the assembled puff pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp. The filling should be hot and the cheese should be melted inside.

Step 6: Serve

  • Time: 5 minutes
  1. Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
  2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color (optional).
  3. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve warm.

Notes and Tips:

  1. Customizing the Filling: You can easily customize the filling by adding other ingredients, such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. You could also use different cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or Swiss cheese for different flavor profiles.
  2. Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the mashed potatoes and filling ahead of time and assemble the puff pastry bake the night before. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes for a quick dinner or lunch option on busy days.
  3. Using Leftover Ham: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover ham from a holiday meal or a large dinner. Just chop it into small cubes and incorporate it into the filling.
  4. Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. It can also be served with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch, hot sauce, or even a side of green beans for extra freshness.
  5. Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan, substitute the butter with plant-based butter, the sour cream with vegan sour cream or cashew cream, and the cheese with a dairy-free cheese. For the ham, you can use a plant-based ham alternative or roasted vegetables like mushrooms or cauliflower for a savory bite.

Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

  • Calories: 350-400 (varies with cheese and filling)
  • Fat: 20-25g
  • Carbohydrates: 35-40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Protein: 15g

This Cheesy Potato and Ham Puff Pastry Bake is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the creamy richness of potatoes with the savory ham and cheese, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even brunch. Enjoy the delicious combination of textures and flavors!

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