Ham and Cheese Bites are a quick, delicious snack or appetizer thatโs perfect for parties, lunch, or even as a fun family dinner. These little bites combine savory ham and gooey cheese wrapped in a golden, crispy dough. Hereโs a simple recipe to make these irresistible bites at home!
Ham and Cheese Bites Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 sheet of puff pastry (or crescent roll dough)
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8 oz sliced ham, chopped into small pieces (or deli ham)
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Dough:
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If youโre using puff pastry, unroll it on a lightly floured surface. If using crescent roll dough, unroll the dough and separate it into the pre-cut triangles.
3. Make the Filling:
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In a bowl, combine the chopped ham and shredded cheese. You can use any combination of cheeses, but cheddar and mozzarella are a classic pairing.
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If you want extra flavor, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
4. Assemble the Bites:
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For Puff Pastry: Cut the dough into squares or rectangles (around 2-3 inches each). Place a small spoonful of the ham and cheese mixture in the center of each square. Fold the corners of the dough toward the center to form a pocket or triangle shape.
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For Crescent Roll Dough: Take a triangle and add a spoonful of the ham and cheese mixture to the wide end. Roll it up into a bite-sized shape, starting from the wide end.
5. Brush with Egg Wash:
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Brush each filled dough pocket or roll with the beaten egg to give it a golden, crispy finish when baking. If you want a bit of extra flavor, sprinkle a little garlic powder on top before baking.
6. Bake:
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Place the prepared ham and cheese bites onto the baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted inside.
7. Serve:
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Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bites cool for a minute or two.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately with a dipping sauce of your choice (like ranch, mustard, or marinara).
Serving Suggestions:
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Dipping Sauces: Serve with mustard, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or a tangy barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
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Side Salad: Pair with a crisp side salad or some roasted vegetables for a more balanced meal.
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For Kids: These ham and cheese bites are great for kids’ lunch boxes or as an after-school snack.
Tips for the Best Ham and Cheese Bites:
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Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix and match cheeses. Cheddar adds sharpness, mozzarella adds stretch, and Swiss cheese adds a nice nutty flavor.
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Ham Alternatives: You can also use turkey, chicken, or even bacon for a different take on these bites.
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Make Ahead: You can assemble these bites in advance and freeze them before baking. When ready to cook, bake straight from the freezerโjust add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
These Ham and Cheese Bites are quick, easy, and so flavorfulโperfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a fun snack, these bites are sure to be a hit. Enjoy!