These Ham and Cheese Savory Pop-Tarts are a delightful twist on a classic treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack. Flaky, buttery pastry encases a rich filling of smoky ham and melty cheese, creating a satisfying bite every time. The golden crust bakes to perfection in just 20 minutes, offering a crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the gooey, savory center.
With a total time of 40 minutes, this recipe is both simple and impressive, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings. The combination of salty ham, creamy cheese, and buttery pastry delivers a comforting flavor that’s sure to please. Serve them warm for an irresistible, crowd-pleasing treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups (3 ½ oz/100g) cheddar cheese, grated (sharp cheddar works best for flavor)
- 5 slices cooked ham (feel free to use leftover ham or substitute with turkey or bacon)
- Puff pastry (store-bought or homemade, thawed if frozen)
- Egg wash: 1 egg yolk whisked with 4 tablespoons milk (for a golden, shiny finish)
How to Make Ham and Cheese Savory Pop-Tarts
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface until it’s ¼ – ½ inch thick. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut into 3-inch x 4-inch rectangles. You’ll need 2 rectangles for each Pop-Tart.
- Add the filling: On one piece of pastry, layer a slice of ham and sprinkle generously with grated cheese. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
- Seal the Pop-Tarts: Brush the edges of the pastry around the filling with egg wash. Place the second rectangle of pastry on top and press the edges together firmly. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges.
- Finish and prepare for baking: Brush the top of the Pop-Tart with egg wash for a golden finish. Prick the top with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the Pop-Tarts for 20-23 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.
- Serve: Enjoy warm from the oven. These are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a quick meal!
Delicious Sauce and Topping Ideas
Elevate your Ham and Cheese Savory Pop-Tarts with a drizzle of honey mustard or a dollop of garlic aioli for extra flavor. For a spicy kick, try a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. If you’re feeling adventurous, top with a handful of fresh arugula or microgreens for a fresh, gourmet touch.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These savory Pop-Tarts are fantastic on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a simple side salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy meal. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit. They’re also great as a grab-and-go snack for picnics or lunchboxes!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover Pop-Tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy. If you’ve frozen them raw, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
Fun Recipe Variations
Switch up the filling by using turkey and Swiss cheese or spinach and feta for a vegetarian option. For a breakfast twist, try scrambled eggs and bacon inside. You can even experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gruyère for unique flavors.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Prep your puff pastry rectangles and fillings ahead of time, storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble. If you’re making a large batch, use a pastry cutter to speed up the process. Freezing unbaked Pop-Tarts is a great way to have a quick, homemade meal ready in minutes!
Ham and Cheese Savory Pop-Tarts
Ingredients
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- 5 slices cooked Ham
- Puff Pastry
- Egg wash*
Instructions
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface until ¼ – ½ inch thick.
- With a pizza cutter or knife cut your pastry to 3inch x 4inch rectangles. You will need 2 for each Pop-Tart.
- On one piece of pastry, lay on some ham and sprinkle over grated cheese. Take care not to overfill or the filling will come out.
- Egg wash the edges of the pastry around the filling, lay on the top layer and seal the 2 pieces together with a fork.
- Egg wash the top of the Pop-Tart, this will give it a lovely golden color.
- Prick the top with a fork to release steam while baking.
- Bake at 400oF (200oC) for 20-23 minutes or until golden brown.
- Enjoy warm from the oven.
