Miniature Ham Puffs
Miniature Ham Puffs are savory, bite-sized appetizers featuring flaky pastry filled with seasoned deviled ham, perfect for parties, gatherings, or elegant snack platters. They offer a delightful combination of creamy ham filling and crispy, golden shells.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a 3-quart saucepan, heat water and margarine or butter to a rolling boil.
- Stir in all-purpose flour.
- Stir vigorously over low heat until the mixture forms a ball, about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Drop the dough by slightly rounded teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake until puffed, golden brown, and dry, about 25 minutes.
- Cool the puffs on wire racks.
- Blend remaining ingredients (deviled ham, horseradish, pepper, onion salt, sour cream); refrigerate.
- Just before serving, cut off the tops of the puffs with a sharp knife and remove any soft dough filaments.
- Fill each puff with rounded teaspoons of the ham mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a high-quality margarine or butter to enhance the flavor of the puffs. If you prefer a lighter filling, consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also experiment with different types of ham or even chicken for variation. Make sure to beat the eggs thoroughly to achieve that signature glossy dough.
Serving Suggestions
These Miniature Ham Puffs are perfect as an appetizer or party snack. Serve them alongside a fresh salad like Wilted Lettuce With Franks for a delightful meal. They also pair well with a light dipping sauce or a creamy soup such as Creamy Potato Chowder for a complete dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Miniature Ham Puffs contains roughly 61 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure proper puffing.
What can I use instead of deviled ham?
If you don't have deviled ham, try using a mixture of finely chopped cooked ham and cream cheese, or even a flavored spread such as A & W Hot Dog Sauce for a unique twist.
Are these puffs suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the baked puffs for up to a month. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crisp.
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).