Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (from a 17.3 oz package), thawed
• ¼ cup dijon mustard
• 1 large egg
• ½ lb shaved black forest ham or pit ham
• 8 slices white American cheese
• 2 tbsp tuxedo sesame seeds

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
2. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Lay out one sheet of puff pastry, about 10x10 inches, and cut into 4 long strips (each about 2½ inches wide and 10 inches long). Repeat with the second sheet. Brush each strip with dijon mustard, leaving a 1-inch border along one short edge.
3. In a small bowl, make an egg wash by whisking the egg with a splash of water until well blended.
4. Divide the ham and cheese among the pastry strips, layering them along the length of each strip but stopping at the mustard-free border. Fold the slices as needed to fit. Starting at the bottom of each strip, fold up about 3 inches. Brush the exposed top edge with egg wash, then fold again and press gently to seal. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
5. Brush the pastries all over with egg wash and sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until puffed, crisp, and deep golden brown.