Ham Salad Puffs
Ham salad puffs are crispy, golden pastries filled with savory ham salad, perfect for appetizers or party snacks, combining flaky pastry with hearty flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a saucepan, heat water and butter to a rolling boil.
- Stir in flour.
- Stir vigorously over low heat until mixture forms a ball, about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, until smooth and glossy.
- Drop dough by slightly rounded teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, or until puffed, golden brown, and dry.
- Place on a wire rack to cool.
- Cut off the tops of the puffs.
- Remove the soft dough inside.
- Fill each puff with a rounded teaspoon of ham salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your butter is fully melted before adding the flour to avoid lumps. If you’re short on time, consider using store-bought ham salad or a similar spread. You can also experiment by adding different spices or herbs to the dough for extra flavor. For a twist, try using leftover ham from Overnight Ham Sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
These savory puffs are excellent as appetizers or party snacks. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of soup, like Lennie'S Soup, for a complete meal. They can also be paired with a tangy dipping sauce to enhance their flavor. For a fun twist, consider serving them with a side of Baked Sauerkraut And Pork Spareribs.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Ham Salad Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Salad Puffs contains roughly 1991 calories, with 11g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 177g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Ham Salad Puffs?
Yes, you can freeze Ham Salad Puffs before or after baking. If freezing before baking, drop the dough on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of ham salad?
If you don't have ham salad, you can substitute it with chicken salad or tuna salad for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, a mixture of cream cheese and finely chopped vegetables can make a delicious vegetarian filling.
How do I know when the puffs are done baking?
The puffs are done when they are puffed up, golden brown, and firm to the touch. They should not be soft in the center. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).