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Easy Ham & Cheese Hand Pies with Puff Pastry

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Golden, flaky, and filled with melty cheese and savory ham, these Ham & Cheese Hand Pies are the kind of comfort food that works for just about any meal. They’re simple to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights, lunchboxes, or even casual entertaining.

Using store-bought puff pastry keeps things easy, while the classic ham-and-cheese filling makes them feel nostalgic and satisfying. Serve them with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or even a cup of soup for a complete meal.

Flaky ham and cheese hand pie with a gooey, melty cheese center served on a white plate with a simple green salad.
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These easy ham and cheese hand pies are flaky, cheesy, and perfect for a simple lunch or cozy dinner.

Why You’ll Love These Ham & Cheese Hand Pies

  • Made with just a few simple ingredients
  • Crispy, flaky exterior with a warm, cheesy center
  • Easy to customize with different cheeses
  • Perfect for make-ahead meals or freezing
  • Kid-friendly and great for leftovers

Flat lay of ingredients for ham and cheese hand pies including puff pastry, diced ham, shredded cheese, Dijon mustard, egg, and seasonings on a neutral background.
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Everything you need to make easy ham and cheese hand pies with flaky puff pastry.

Ingredients

  • 1 box puff pastry, thawed
  • 1½ cups diced ham
  • 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère work well)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika

How to Make Ham & Cheese Hand Pies

1. Prep the Pastry

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Unroll the puff pastry sheets and cut each into 4 equal squares, giving you 8 total.


2. Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine diced ham, shredded cheese, black pepper, and any optional seasoning. If using Dijon mustard, lightly spread a small amount in the center of each pastry square.


3. Assemble the Hand Pies

Spoon the ham and cheese mixture onto one half of each pastry square, leaving a small border around the edges.

Fold the pastry over to form a triangle. Press edges with a fork to seal.


Golden ham and cheese hand pies on a well used baking sheet with one pie cut open showing creamy melted cheese and diced ham.
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Fresh from the oven—golden, flaky ham and cheese hand pies with ultra-melty centers.

4. Egg Wash & Bake

Transfer pies to the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg.

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.


5. Serve

Let cool slightly before serving. The cheese will be hot and melty inside.


Print
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Flaky ham and cheese hand pie with a gooey, melty cheese center served on a white plate with a simple green salad.
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Easy Ham & Cheese Hand Pies with Puff Pastry


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  • Author: Chrissi | firsthomelovelife.com
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

These easy ham and cheese hand pies are made with flaky puff pastry and filled with savory ham and ultra-melty cheese. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, they’re simple, comforting, and family-friendly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box puff pastry, thawed

  • 1½ cups diced ham

  • 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère)

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

  • Freshly cracked black pepper

  • Optional: pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Unroll puff pastry and cut each sheet into 4 equal squares.

  3. If using Dijon mustard, lightly spread a small amount in the center of each square.

  4. In a bowl, combine diced ham, shredded cheese, pepper, and optional seasonings.

  5. Spoon filling onto one half of each pastry square, leaving a border.

  6. Fold pastry over to form triangles and press edges with a fork to seal.

  7. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and brush tops with beaten egg.

  8. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.

  9. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • These hand pies freeze well before baking. Bake straight from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the cooking time.

  • For extra melty centers, use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella.

  • Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
  • Cook Time: 20 MINS
  • Category: DINNER
  • Method: BAKED
  • Cuisine: AMERICAN

Serving Ideas

These hand pies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better served with:

  • Roasted broccolini or asparagus
  • A crisp green salad
  • Tomato soup or creamy potato soup
  • Honey mustard or grainy mustard for dipping

Tips & Variations

  • Switch the cheese: Try mozzarella, fontina, or pepper jack
  • Add veggies: Finely chopped spinach or sautéed onions work well
  • Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking
  • Freezer-friendly: Freeze unbaked pies and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crescent dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less flaky.

What’s the best ham to use?
Leftover baked ham or thick-cut deli ham both work well.

Can I reheat these?
Yes—reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crisp.


Final Thoughts

These Ham & Cheese Hand Pies are simple, comforting, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, packing them for lunch, or serving them to guests, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

If you love easy, flaky pastry recipes like this, be sure to save this one—you’ll come back to it again and again.

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