Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Lightly flour a clean work surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the sheet into 6 equal rectangles (approximately 3x4.5 inches each).
- Spread a thin, even layer of Dijon mustard down the center of each rectangle, leaving a ½-inch border all the way around the edges.
- Layer the ham evenly over the mustard on each pastry rectangle, folding the slices as needed to fit neatly within the border. Top each with approximately 2-3 tablespoons of shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Fold the pastry lengthwise over the filling to create a pocket, then press the edges firmly together with the tines of a fork to seal on all three open sides. Alternatively, cut 6 additional rectangles from a second sheet of pastry and press them on top as lids, sealing all four edges with a fork.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the egg wash generously over the tops and sides of each pastry.
- Using a sharp knife, score 2-3 shallow diagonal lines across the top of each pastry (cutting only through the top layer). Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fresh thyme leaves if using.
- Arrange the pastries on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 1 inch apart. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the pastries are puffed up and deep golden brown all over.
- Remove from the oven and allow the pastries to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition
Notes
Storage: Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. To freeze, allow baked pastries to cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
Lighter Swap: To lighten things up a little, use a lower-sodium turkey ham in place of regular deli ham, and opt for a reduced-fat Swiss cheese. These small swaps keep the recipe nutritious without sacrificing any of the great flavor.
Sodium Tip: Deli ham can be high in sodium, so if you're watching your salt intake, look for a low-sodium ham option and skip the extra pinch of flaky sea salt on top. The Dijon mustard and cheese provide plenty of seasoning on their own!