Imagine biting into a golden, flaky pastry that reveals a luxurious combination of tender asparagus, savory ham, and melted cheese - a French-inspired dish that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. This elegant yet surprisingly easy recipe will elevate your home cooking from ordinary to gourmet, impressing dinner guests and satisfying your inner chef with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 8 asparagus spears
- 4 slices ham
- 100g cheese (e.g., Gruyère or cheddar)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Trim the woody ends of the asparagus spears, ensuring they are roughly uniform in length. Blanch the asparagus in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Thaw the puff pastry sheet at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Unfold the pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the puff pastry into 4 equal rectangular sections.
- Place a slice of ham in the center of each pastry rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Grate or slice the cheese and sprinkle evenly over the ham.
- Arrange 2 asparagus spears diagonally across each pastry rectangle, on top of the ham and cheese.
- Carefully fold the pastry edges over the asparagus, creating a rustic envelope-style wrap. Pinch the edges to seal.
- Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the pastry surfaces thoroughly with the egg wash.
- Place the prepared pastries on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. The pastry will be crisp and the filling hot and melted.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or chives before serving.
Tips
- Always ensure your puff pastry is completely thawed but still cold for the best rise and flakiness.
- Blanching asparagus is crucial - it preserves the bright green color and prevents soggy pastry.
- Don't skip the egg wash; it creates that beautiful golden, glossy exterior that makes the dish look professionally prepared.
- Use a sharp knife to create clean edges when cutting the pastry for a more refined presentation.
- Let the pastries rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and prevent burning your mouth.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or even a creamy goat cheese.
- Serve immediately for the ultimate crispy texture and melted cheese experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
