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**Savory Puff Pastry with Ham, Cheese, and Béchamel Sauce: A Perfect Comfort Food**
When it comes to comfort food, **Savory Puff Pastry with Ham, Cheese, and Béchamel Sauce** checks all the boxes. This dish combines the rich flavors of **melted cheese**, **smoky ham**, and **creamy béchamel sauce**, all wrapped in a crispy, flaky puff pastry shell. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from a quick lunch or dinner to a delightful appetizer for a special gathering.
If you’re looking for something that’s both comforting and elegant, this savory puff pastry recipe will quickly become a family favorite. The best part? It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
### Why You’ll Love Savory Puff Pastry with Ham, Cheese, and Béchamel Sauce
1. **Flaky Puff Pastry:**
The puff pastry is the ideal vessel to carry the savory fillings, giving the dish a beautiful, crispy texture on the outside while remaining light and airy inside.
2. **Melt-in-Your-Mouth Filling:**
The combination of **ham**, **cheese**, and the rich **béchamel sauce** creates a decadent and satisfying filling that melts in your mouth with each bite. The béchamel sauce adds a creamy element that brings all the flavors together.
3. **Customizable:**
This dish is versatile and can easily be customized with different types of cheese, herbs, or even other meats if you prefer. Whether you want to add a bit of **mustard** for extra tang or throw in some **spinach** for an added vegetable, this recipe has plenty of room for creativity.
4. **Perfect for Entertaining:**
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a casual gathering, or a holiday meal, this savory puff pastry is sure to be a hit. It looks impressive on the plate, but it’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
5. **Make-Ahead Option:**
You can easily prepare the filling in advance and assemble the pastries right before baking, making it a great option for a **stress-free dinner party** or a **weeknight meal**.
### Ingredients:
For the **Béchamel Sauce**:
– 2 tablespoons **butter**
– 2 tablespoons **flour**
– 1 cup **whole milk** (warm)
– Salt and **white pepper** to taste
– A pinch of **nutmeg** (optional)
For the **Pastry**:
– 1 sheet of **puff pastry** (store-bought or homemade)
– 6 slices of **ham** (thinly sliced, preferably smoked)
– 1 cup **shredded cheese** (cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix of both)
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
### Directions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:**
– In a small saucepan, melt the **butter** over medium heat.
– Add the **flour** and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, making sure it doesn’t brown.
– Gradually pour in the **warm milk**, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
– Season the sauce with **salt**, **white pepper**, and a pinch of **nutmeg**. Once thickened, remove the béchamel from the heat and set aside.
#### 2. **Prepare the Puff Pastry:**
– Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
– Roll out the **puff pastry** sheet on a lightly floured surface. If it’s store-bought, let it thaw for a few minutes before rolling. Cut the pastry into rectangles or squares, depending on your preference and the number of servings.
– Lightly score the edges of each rectangle (this helps the puff pastry to rise evenly) without cutting all the way through.
3. **Assemble the Pastries:**
– On each rectangle of puff pastry, spread a generous spoonful of the creamy **béchamel sauce**.
– Layer a slice of **ham** on top of the béchamel sauce, followed by a handful of your favorite **cheese**. You can use **cheddar**, **Gruyère**, or a combination of both, depending on your preference.
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