These deliciously simple ham and cheese pastries can be made ahead for quick and easy entertaining or quick breakfast.

Learn how to make these ham and cheese puff pastries, and try this recipe at your next brunch.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.

ham and cheese puff pastries - Southern Living

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Brush tops with egg wash, cut slits, and bake as directed before serving.

Reheat in an air fryer or oven until hot throughout to crisp up before serving.

4(1/2-oz.)

ingredients for ham and cheese puff pastries - Southern Living

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Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper, and set aside.

Make mustard sauce:

Stir together Creole mustard and honey in a small bowl; set aside.

Prepare puff pastry sheets:

Unfold each puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured work surface.

ham-and-cheese puff pastries on a plate - Southern Living

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Roll each sheet into a 15- x 12-inch rectangle.

Transfer pastry rectangles to prepared baking sheets.

Layer ham and Gruyere slices evenly over mustard mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border.

honey and creole mustard in a bowl

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Sprinkle evenly with thyme.

Seal pastries:

Whisk together egg and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl.

Remove from oven; cool slightly, about 5 minutes.

puff pastry rectangle on baking sheet

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Transfer to a serving plate.

Garnish with additional thyme, and serve.

Egg wash helps promote even browning, and gives the pastries a light sheen.

ingredients layered for ham and cheese puff pastries

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We recommend it, but it can be skipped if needed.

sealing puff pastry crust with fork edge

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ham and cheese puff pastry with egg wash

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slits cut in puff pastry

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ham and cheese puff pastry after baking

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sliced ham and cheese puff pastries with knife

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wenddorf; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen