Elevate your appetizer or brunch game with this show-stopping Ham and Swiss Dijon Braid! Featuring flaky, golden-brown puff pastry enveloping layers of savory ham, creamy Swiss cheese, and a tangy Dijon mustard spread, this recipe is as delicious as it is visually impressive. The simple yet elegant braided design is surprisingly easy to achieve, making it perfect for entertaining or a cozy dinner. With just 20 minutes of prep and a quick bake, you'll have a warm, indulgent dish ready to serve in under an hour. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and pair it with a crisp salad or hearty soup for a complete meal. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or anytime you want to add a touch of sophistication to your table!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to the package instructions. Once thawed, unfold one sheet onto a lightly floured surface.
Spread 1.5 tablespoons of Dijon mustard evenly in the center third of the pastry sheet, leaving about an inch of border on all edges.
Place 4 slices of ham over the mustard layer, slightly overlapping. Top the ham with 4 slices of Swiss cheese.
Repeat with another layer of 4 slices of ham followed by 4 slices of Swiss cheese.
Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts into the pastry on both sides of the filling, about 1 inch apart. Ensure the cuts stop just before the filling so the center remains intact.
Fold the top and bottom edges of the pastry over the filling, then alternate folding the diagonal strips from each side over the filling, creating a braid-like pattern.
Transfer the braid to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process with the second puff pastry sheet if you want to make two braids.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash evenly over the braid.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove from the oven and let the braid cool for 5-10 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish.
Slice into portions and serve warm. Pair with a simple green salad or soup for a complete meal.
Serving size | 1011.6 grams (1011.6g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 3572 |
Total Fat 212.80g | 273% |
Saturated Fat 61.90g | 310% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.40g | |
Cholesterol 213mg | 71% |
Sodium 6601mg | 287% |
Total Carbohydrate 273.30g | 99% |
Dietary Fiber 10.60g | 38% |
Total Sugars 11.00g | |
Protein 148.90g | 298% |
Vitamin D 9IU | 45% |
Calcium 2252mg | 173% |
Iron 16mg | 88% |
Potassium 1437mg | 31% |
Source of Calories