Description
These Ham & Gruyere Puff Pastry Tarts are a simple yet elegant appetizer or snack featuring flaky puff pastry topped with savory ham, melted Gruyere cheese, and thinly sliced apples. The addition of stoneground mustard, olive oil, and a drizzle of honey balances flavors perfectly, while fresh thyme adds an aromatic finish. Ideal for entertaining or a sophisticated bite any time of the day.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry and Fillings
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 12 slices of deli ham
- 3 ounces Gruyere cheese, thinly sliced
- 1/2 Pink Lady or Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
Condiments and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons stoneground mustard
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Pinch of ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Several sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s properly heated for baking the tarts.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth out any creases and trim the edges to create a neat rectangle. Cut the pastry into six equal pieces by slicing lengthwise down the center and then cutting into three sections across.
- Shape Pastry Bases: Place the cut pastry pieces on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a knife, cut a 1/4 inch border around the edges of each piece without cutting all the way through, then prick the inner section of the pastry several times with a fork to prevent over-rising in the center.
- Layer Toppings: Spread the stoneground mustard evenly inside the borders of each pastry piece using the back of a spoon. Next, layer 3 slices of Gruyere cheese, followed by 2 slices of ham, and then fan out 3 to 4 thin slices of apple on top.
- Season and Oil: Brush the apple slices lightly with olive oil to enhance browning and add moisture. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt and ground black pepper over each tart to season.
- Bake Tarts: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 to 24 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is melted.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the tarts from the oven and immediately drizzle each with honey. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs to add a fragrant herbal note before serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Pink Lady or Honeycrisp for the best texture and sweetness contrast.
- Ensure the puff pastry is cold before rolling to maintain its flakiness.
- You can substitute Gruyere with Swiss or Comté cheese if needed.
- For a sweeter touch, slightly increase the honey drizzle after baking.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture experience.
