Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Recipe for Brunch

Name: Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 sheets puff pastry; 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese; 6 oz. Clifty Farm Country Ham Biscuit Cut Slices (diced and cooked); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 onion (sliced thinly and caramelized); Mustard sauce; Fried egg (optional for brunch); 6 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons heavy cream

If you’re looking for an easy ham and cheese recipe that feels fancy but secretly takes very little effort, you are in the right place. This ham and cheese puff pastry is buttery, flaky, cheesy, and topped with a creamy mustard sauce that pulls everything together in the best possible way.

It works just as well for brunch as it does for dinner, and if you really want to show off? Add a fried egg on top and call it a day. This ham and cheese tart is the kind of recipe that looks impressive, tastes indulgent, and makes people think you tried way harder than you actually did.

If you have leftover ham from this sous vide ham, it works great also!

ham and cheese puff pastry cut in squares

Why This Recipe Works

Pre-made puff pastry dough makes this recipe super simple, and the buttery layers bake up golden, flaky, and irresistible every single time. This is what makes it such a reliable savory puff pastry recipe.
A creamy, tangy mustard sauce pairs perfectly with the salty ham and sweet caramelized onions, adding just the right balance of richness and brightness.
Adding a fried egg on top takes this puff pastry tart recipe from great to brunch-worthy perfection.

Jump to:

Why This Recipe Works
What Is My Take on Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Recipe
Make It a Meal
Easy Side Dishes
Step By Step Instructions
Expert Tips
Common Questions
Storing Instructions
More Puff Pastry Recipes
Favorite Ham Recipes
Recipe
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What Is My Take on Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Recipe

This recipe is my version of comfort food that pretends to be fancy. Think French bistro vibes without the stress. The flaky puff pastry acts as the perfect base, the Swiss cheese melts beautifully, and the mustard sauce keeps it from being too heavy.

It’s one of those ham and cheese puff pastry recipes you can serve for brunch, lunch, or a simple dinner with a salad on the side. And because it uses store-bought puff pastry, it’s also one of my go-to “I need something impressive but easy” meals.

Make It a Meal

Turn this ham and cheese tart into a full meal with a couple of simple additions:

Add a fried egg on top for brunch
Serve with a crisp green salad for dinner
Keep it fancy by pairing with Instant Pot French Onion Soup for an extra cozy meal

Easy Side Dishes

This savory puff pastry recipe pairs well with:

Simple arugula salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
Asparagus Patties or Sauteed Green Beans
Tomato Soup or a light Cauliflower Soup

Clifty Farm Country Meats

I used Clifty Farm Country Ham to make this Ham and Cheese Tart. Clifty Farm is a family owned business, in it's fourth generation of curing meats. The curing process, which is their secret recipe, is what gives Clifty Farms meats their amazing taste.

The ham is perfectly seasoned and has such an incredible flavor. They also offer other products such as bacon, sausage, and smoked turkey.

What's even better is that they ship their products all over the world, so you can get a delicious cured ham from anywhere in the world. Also, their products are widely available in many grocery stores such as Kroger, Publix, Aldi and Walmart, among others.

Learn more about Clifty Farms on their website https://cliftyfarm.com/. You can also follow them on social media at @cliftyfarm or @clifty_farm.

Step By Step Instructions

Step1: Thaw the puff pastry according to the instructions on the box. Preheat the oven to 400F degrees.

Step2: Cook the diced ham in a skillet for 3-5 minutes, until it is slightly caramelized.

Step3: Lay each sheet of puff pastry flat on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Step4: Combine all the ingredients for the mustard and mix well. Spread the sauce over the puff pastry sheets (there should be enough for 2 tarts).

ham, onions and cheese on raw puff pastry dough

Step5: Spread the cheese, ham, and caramelized onions on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until pastry is golden brown.

Step6: Slice and serve alone or with a fried egg on top for brunch/breakfast.

How to Make Caramelized Onions

Step1: Place the thinly sliced onions and butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Step2: Cook, stirring periodically, until the onions are very soft and a deep golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Expert Tips

Substitute Gruyère or Emmental for Swiss cheese for an extra nutty, classic flavor.
If you don’t feel like caramelizing onions, sautéed onions work just fine — just skip raw onions, as they won’t cook fully.
Add more or less cheese depending on how cheesy you want your ham and cheese puff pastry.

best Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry - 30 minute recipe- easy dinner ideas

Common Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the toppings in advance, but assemble and bake just before serving for the flakiest pastry.

Is this recipe good for brunch?

Absolutely. Add a fried egg on top and this becomes a standout brunch dish.

Can I use a different type of ham?

Yes! Any good-quality cooked ham works well in this easy ham and cheese recipe.

Storing Instructions

Store leftover ham and cheese tart slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the puff pastry crisp (the microwave works, but it softens the crust).

You can freeze this tart after baking in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 375 degree oven for about 10-12 minutes, until it is warmed through and the cheese has melted.