you're making mealtime meaningful.
There’s no question that in the mornings it can be hectic to get everyone fed and dressed for the day. But, if there’s a tasty grab-and-go option around it makes things a whole lot easier (and more delicious). Enter the Irish jambon, an easy-to-make pastry filled with ham and cheese that’s become a staple food across the Emerald Isle.
In French jambon means ham, and combined with the delicate layers of puff pastry which the French are known for this continental treat has become one of the most popular comfort foods in Ireland. And, once you taste this recipe you’ll know exactly why.
To start this recipe you’ll need to thaw 1 package of frozen puff pastry (2 sheets). You can make your own dough if you prefer, but even quick recipes aren’t as fast as using pre-made!
Cut the sheets into 6 squares each for a total of 12 jambons. If you want to make these smaller you can cut 9 squares from each sheet instead. These rolls are lovely for breakfast, but they also make a wonderful appetizer when made in the smaller size.
The filling couldn’t be easier since it’s mainly ham and cheese, but oh boy is it delicious. You’ll want to select a mature or sharp cheese for this recipe and of course if you can get an Irish brand then that’s even better. Once you have your shredded cheese mix it together with 1 beaten egg and black pepper to taste. You don’t really need to add salt since both the ham and the cheese have that in spades.
Place a dollop of the filling on each square and then top with cubed ham. You can use deli ham sliced thick or ham steaks. Then gather the corners of the dough into the center and pinch them together. It really is that simple.
Brush each jambon with beaten egg and then when they bake you’ll get a wonderful golden brown top crowning a bed of melted cheese. If this sounds like perfection to you then this is one recipe you don’t want to sit on.
You can make these ahead of time and freeze them either before or after baking. If baking from frozen you’ll need to add about 5 minutes onto the cooking time.
These simple jambons truly are a breeze to make and you won’t find a more delicious ham and cheese roll anywhere.
5-Ingredient Irish Jambons
Yield(s): Makes 12-18 pastries
20m prep time
25m cook time
you're making mealtime meaningful.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sharp or Irish shredded cheddar cheese (7-8 ounces)
- 2 eggs
- black pepper to taste
- 2 1/4” thick ham steaks, cut into small cubes
- 1 17-oz package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400˚F. Unroll your puff pastry and cut each sheet into either 6 or 9 even, square pieces. Place these squares on lined baking trays, making sure to leave space between each one. Fill pastry with cheese mixture and then top with ham pieces.
- Fold each corner of the puff pastry squares in towards the center. Beat remaining egg and brush over the top of each roll for browning.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until pastry puffs and edges brown slightly. Jambons will open with the heat and some cheese will melt out. This is normal.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm or cold and enjoy.
Recipe adapted from Our Best Bites.