Ham and Gruyere puff pastry turnovers make any gathering special. Puff pastry stuffed with cheese and salty ham with a mustard dip are the perfect little nibble.
Entertaining is always more fun when you have an easy, make-ahead appetizer ready to go. These savory ham and Gruyere turnovers are one of my favorite recipes for parties, holidays, or casual get-togethers.
In this article you'll learn:
- How to make mini ham turnovers using store-bought puff pastry for an easy and elegant appetizer.
- The simple filling technique I use in my test kitchen with diced ham, nutty Gruyere cheese, half-and-half, and sage that comes together in minutes.
- Why these turnovers are perfect for entertaining, how to freeze them ahead for a no-fuss party snack.
- Creative ways to serve them, including a grainy mustard dip and pairing suggestions with soup or salad.
- Expert tips for baking the turnovers evenly, sealing the pastry edges, and making the most of leftover ham.
Generated with AI and experts from the Tara Teaspoon team.
I love feeding people, and I know hosting can take a lot of planning and prep. That’s why I always keep a batch of these buttery puff pastry turnovers in the freezer. They bake up golden, cheesy, and delicious whenever guests drop by.
This is my kind of entertaining—stress-free, flavorful, and totally impressive.
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Ingredients for Puff Pastry Turnovers
The little pastry triangles are made with store-bought puff pastry. It's easy to fold out and roll, then cut into just the right shape for fold-over turnovers.
I love using a mild cheese with rich puff pastry. Gruyère cheese is a Swiss cheese with a buttery, almost nutty and mild flavor. It's one of the most perfect companions to salty ham as well.
This recipe works so well with leftover ham from roast holiday ham.
You can also make delicious pasta or breakfast sandwiches from leftover ham.
There's also a little half and half and dried sage in the puff pastry filling for added flavor and moisture.
How to Make Puff Pastry Turnovers
This is one of the easier puff pastry appetizers you can make.
In essence, all you need to do is stir together the filling, seal it inside squares of puff pastry that you've cut with a knife, and bake the turnovers until golden brown.
Be sure to prick the top of each ham and cheese turnover with a fork to allow steam to escape!
Yes! You can freeze uncooked turnovers for up to three weeks.
Bake frozen turnovers at 300°F for 10 minutes, then increase heat to 350°F and bake 12 minutes more.
Of course! You can make the ham and cheese puff pastry turnovers with any cheese you'd like. I prefer using Gruyere because it's mild, nutty flavor pairs nicely with the ham.
However, you may use any grated cheese you like.
Tips for Making This Puff Pastry Appetizer
- For the ham, I ask the person behind the deli counter to cut it into ¼ inch slices so it's easy to dice for this recipe.
- Use any extra diced ham in omelets, pasta, or soup.
- I always double this recipe, so I have extra in the freezer for another time. Savory turnovers are also a great dinner accompaniment with a salad or soup!
More Savory Puff Pastry Appetizers:
- Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart
- Mini Tomato Tarts
- Pancetta, Brie & Onion Tart
- Savory Ricotta and Three Bean Tarts
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📖 Full Recipe
Ham and Gruyère Puff Pastry Turnovers
Ingredients
- 1 cup (3 ounces) grated Gruyère
- 4 ounces cooked ham (cut into ¼-inch dice)
- 3 tablespoons half-and-half
- 1½ teaspoons dried sage
- Pinch freshly ground pepper
- Flour (for work surface)
- 1 box (17¼ oz) frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- Whole-grain Dijon mustard (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°F.
- In a bowl, stir together cheese, ham, half-and-half, sage and pepper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 pastry sheet to a 12-inch square; cut into 9 squares.
- Working with one square at a time, brush edges with egg and place 1 tablespoon filling in center. Fold together opposite corners of square, forming a triangle, and press together edges to seal; decorate with tines of a fork. Transfer to a baking sheet, brush with egg and prick top of each once with a fork.
- Repeat with remaining pastry sheet, filling and egg.
- Bake 5 minutes. Reduce heat to 375°F and bake until puffed and golden brown, about 15 minutes more. Serve warm, with mustard.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
Tara Teaspoon
I’ve been in food publishing for over 25 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television, food brands, & advertising. With two cookbooks under my belt and thousands of my recipes at your fingertips, I hope you'll be inspired to spend more time in the kitchen!
Recipe: Tara Bench Photographers: Iain Bagwell and Lindsay Steele. Food stylist: Sally Jo O'Brien and Lindsay Steele.
Mary Bench says
Even good as a main course! Tasty!
Tessa says
I love cooking with cheese--especially Gruyère! Thanks for this awesome appetizer!
Carol G says
I was not sure how to use left over ham and then I found your recipe for these delicious ham and cheese turnovers, they are so good! They were enjoyed by my family and my most requested "treat: for get togethers.
Tara Teaspoon says
These turnovers are a great way to use up leftover ham. So glad to hear they are enjoyed by your family. Tara