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These savory puff pastry muffins with a juicy ham and cheese filling are perfect for any occasion. The combination of flaky pastry and creamy filling creates an irresistible snack that everyone will love.
The first time I made these muffins, I was amazed at how simple they were to prepare and how impressed my guests were. The golden-brown, crispy puff pastry combined with the flavorful filling is simply irresistible.
Key Components
- Puff Pastry: Creates the flaky, crispy shell
- Cream Cheese: Makes the filling creamy and moist
- Cooked Ham and Gouda: Provides savory flavor and texture
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper and garlic powder enhance the taste
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Detailed Instructions
- Preparing the Puff Pastry
- Remove pastry from packaging and let rest briefly at room temperature for easier handling. Unroll and cut into 12 equal rectangles using a sharp knife or pizza cutter in a 3x4 grid. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners. Gently press pastry rectangles into muffin cups, shaping corners and sides to form cups. Fold any overhanging edges inward and press lightly. Ensure there are no holes to prevent filling from leaking.
- Making the Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat eggs lightly. Add cream cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy with no lumps. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste. Dice cooked ham into small 0.5cm cubes - not too fine to maintain texture. Add grated gouda and ham to the egg mixture and stir well. Optional: fold in finely chopped chives, reserving some for garnish.
- Completing and Baking
- Preheat oven to 180°C fan (200°C conventional). Divide filling evenly between pastry cups, about one heaping tablespoon each. Don't overfill as mixture will expand during baking. Bake 25 minutes until pastry is golden brown and filling is set. Cool in tin 5 minutes, then carefully remove to wire rack to cool completely. Garnish with fresh chives before serving.
These muffins are best served about 10 minutes after removing from the refrigerator. This brings out the perfect balance between the crispy exterior and moist filling.
Versatile Snack
These savory muffins are truly versatile kitchen staples. Perfect for breakfast, packed lunches, dinner sides, or party appetizers - they suit countless occasions. The combination of flaky pastry and rich ham-cheese filling appeals to both children and adults. Their portable size makes them ideal for picnics and lunchboxes.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile muffins can be served many ways:
- For breakfast alongside fresh fruit
- As a snack with yogurt dipping sauce
- Part of a brunch spread with salads
- As finger food at parties or picnics
Variations
The basic recipe can be creatively adapted:
- Mediterranean style with feta, sun-dried tomatoes and olives
- Vegetarian version with mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms)
- Spicier version using salami or chorizo instead of ham
- Upscale version with salmon and dill or spinach and goat cheese
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Storage
Store muffins covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in oven at 150°C for a few minutes to restore crispiness. They can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature and briefly warm in oven before serving.
After making these muffins multiple times, they've become my go-to recipe for impromptu gatherings and buffets. The preparation is so straightforward and the results so impressive that guests always ask for the recipe. Experiment with different variations to find your perfect version of these versatile savory muffins!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Wie mache ich die Muffins vegetarisch?
- Ersetze den Schinken durch Gemüse wie Paprika, Pilze oder Zucchini und füge Feta oder Ziegenkäse hinzu.
- → Kann ich die Muffins vorbereiten?
- Ja, die Muffins können einige Stunden vorher zubereitet und kalt oder kurz aufgewärmt serviert werden.
- → Kann ich den Blätterteig ersetzen?
- Ja, auch Pizzateig oder Filoteig eignen sich und geben den Muffins eine andere Textur.
- → Wie lagere ich die Muffins?
- Im Kühlschrank halten sie 2-3 Tage. Sie können auch eingefroren werden und bei Bedarf aufgewärmt werden.
- → Wie verhindere ich, dass die Füllung ausläuft?
- Drücke den Blätterteig sorgfältig in die Muffinformen und achte darauf, dass keine Löcher entstehen.