Description
These elegant ham and gouda puff pastry muffins transform simple store-bought puff pastry into sophisticated, flaky cups filled with savory ham, creamy Gouda cheese, and tangy Dijon mustard. Perfect for brunch entertaining, these restaurant-quality muffins are surprisingly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for stress-free hosting.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry – thawed according to package directions
- 8 oz deli ham, diced – choose high-quality, low-sodium variety
- 1½ cups Gouda cheese, shredded – aged Gouda preferred for best flavor
- 6 large eggs – room temperature
- ½ cup whole milk – for creamy texture
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard – stone-ground preferred
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped – plus extra for garnish
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted – for brushing pastry edges
Instructions
- Prepare Kitchen: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter or spray a 12-cup muffin tin. Let puff pastry thaw completely at room temperature (30 minutes).
- Create Pastry Cups: Unfold thawed puff pastry on lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 6 equal squares. Gently press each square into muffin cups, allowing corners to extend above rim.
- Make Custard Base: In medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Filling: Divide diced ham evenly among pastry cups (about 2 tablespoons per cup). Sprinkle Gouda cheese over ham, reserving ¼ cup for topping.
- Add Custard: Carefully pour egg mixture into each pastry cup, filling ¾ full. Top with remaining cheese and brush pastry edges with melted butter.
- Bake: Bake 20-25 minutes until pastry is golden brown and puffed, and egg mixture is set. Cool in pan 5 minutes before removing.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chives and serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tips: Assemble completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Add 3-5 extra minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.
Storage: Store cooled muffins in refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat in 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to recrisp pastry.
Freezing: Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Substitutions: Replace Gouda with Gruyère, aged cheddar, or Swiss cheese. Turkey or chicken can substitute for ham.
Pro Tip: Never stretch puff pastry when fitting into muffin cups – this breaks the delicate layers. Allow natural folds to form for best results.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 125
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