Savory Ham, Cheese, and Mushroom Puff Pastry Pockets
Embrace the delightful fusion of flaky puff pastry filled with a rich and creamy blend of ham, cheese, and sautéed mushrooms. Perfect for utilizing leftovers, these savory pockets deliver comfort food at its finest. Each bite reveals a warm, gooey interior accented by fragrant herbs, making them an ideal snack, appetizer, or light meal. Customize with your favorite cheeses and herbs to elevate the flavor. Whether for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, these turnovers are sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
245
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Milk
250 ml ((1 1/8 cups))
Butter
1 tablespoon
Flour
1 tablespoon ((mixed to a paste with the butter))
Button mushrooms
140 g ((cut into quarters, 5 oz))
Olive oil
1 tablespoon
Ham
140 g ((chopped into small pieces, 5 oz))
Leftover cheese
85 g ((cut into small pieces, 3 oz))
Chopped herbs
1 tablespoon ((tarragon, parsley, chives, or your choice))
Puff pastry
500 g ((1 1/8 lbs))
Egg
1 ((beaten))
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the thick white sauce that will create the foundation of your filling. In a saucepan, gently bring the milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2
Add the butter and flour paste to the simmering milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Allow the sauce to boil for 3-4 minutes until it thickens, whisking gently throughout to maintain a smooth texture. Once ready, transfer it to a bowl and let it cool down.
3
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the quartered mushrooms and sauté them for 3-5 minutes until they turn golden brown. Remove from heat and allow them to cool.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped ham, cheese, and sautéed mushrooms. Gradually fold in the cooled white sauce, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated. Finally, mix in the chopped herbs for a burst of flavor.
5
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to a thickness similar to a £1 coin (1/16 inch). Cut the pastry into 4 large rounds, making sure to re-roll any trimmings as needed. Brush the edges of each round with the beaten egg.
6
Spoon an ample amount of the filling onto one half of each pastry round, then carefully fold the other half over the filling. Press the edges firmly to seal the turnovers. For added flavor and shine, brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg.
7
If you're not baking them right away, these turnovers can be frozen for up to a month. If you choose to freeze them, remember to chill them for 30 minutes before placing them in the freezer.
8
Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan/gas 6). Arrange the turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them for approximately 35 minutes until they are puffed up and golden brown. Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly before indulging in the warm, comforting goodness.
Nutrition Information
12.5
Fat
20
Carbs
10
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Ham, Cheese, and Mushroom Puff Pastry Pockets?
These are flaky pastry turnovers filled with a creamy mixture of ham, cheese, and sautéed mushrooms, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.
How do you make the creamy filling base?
The base is a thick white sauce made by simmering milk and whisking in a paste of butter and flour until thickened.
How long should the white sauce be boiled?
The sauce should boil for 3-4 minutes while whisking gently to maintain a smooth texture.
How should the mushrooms be prepared for this recipe?
The button mushrooms should be cut into quarters and sautéed in olive oil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
What is the recommended thickness for the puff pastry?
The puff pastry should be rolled out to a thickness of approximately 1/16 inch, which is similar to a £1 coin.
What type of cheese can be used in these pockets?
You can use any leftover cheese of your choice, cut into small pieces, though cheddar or gruyère work well.
Which herbs are recommended for the filling?
Tarragon, parsley, and chives are suggested, but you can choose any fragrant herbs you prefer.
How many turnovers does this recipe make?
The recipe makes 4 large turnovers.
How do you seal the pastry turnovers?
Brush the edges of the pastry rounds with beaten egg, fold the pastry over the filling, and press the edges firmly to seal.
Can these turnovers be frozen?
Yes, they can be frozen for up to one month if chilled for 30 minutes before being placed in the freezer.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 200°C (fan/gas mark 6).
How long do the pockets need to bake?
They should bake for approximately 35 minutes until they are puffed up and golden brown.
How many calories are in one pastry pocket?
Each pastry pocket contains approximately 245 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 12.5 grams of fat.
How much protein is in each turnover?
Each turnover provides 10 grams of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe good for using leftovers?
Yes, it is specifically designed to utilize leftover ham and cheese.
Should the filling be hot when added to the pastry?
No, the white sauce and sautéed mushrooms should be allowed to cool before being mixed and added to the pastry.
What is the role of the egg in this recipe?
The beaten egg is used both to seal the pastry edges and to brush on top for a golden, shiny finish.
What weight of puff pastry is required?
The recipe calls for 500 grams (1 1/8 lbs) of puff pastry.
How much milk is needed for the white sauce?
You will need 250 ml (1 1/8 cups) of milk.
What type of oil is used for the mushrooms?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the mushrooms.
What size should the ham be cut into?
The ham should be chopped into small pieces.
Do I need to line the baking sheet?
Yes, it is recommended to line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
Can I re-roll the pastry trimmings?
Yes, you should re-roll any trimmings as needed to create the 4 large rounds.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients used in total.
What is the total weight of mushrooms used?
The recipe uses 140 grams (5 oz) of button mushrooms.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The turnovers have a flaky, golden exterior with a warm, gooey, and creamy interior.
How should the turnovers be served?
They should be allowed to cool slightly after baking and are best served warm.
Can I substitute the ham?
While the recipe calls for ham, you can customize the filling with other cooked meats or extra vegetables if desired.