Puff pastry with ham. An Italian-style sheet pan tart with a flaky puff pastry base, generously topped with pesto, Italian ham, arugula, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes. It’s an amazing recipe that is so simple, yet so delicious.
Italian-style Sheet Pan Tart
It’s no secret that I love sheet pan tarts; they’re an easy meal (or quick lunch) that pairs perfectly with a bowl of soup, a fresh salad, or just on their own. And of course, they also make a great appetizer or party snack. And just like my puff pastry with eggs, this recipe always hits the spot!
This Italian style puff pastry with ham recipe is truly delicious, and I’m sure that once you make it, you’ll find plenty of excuses to make it again and again… just like I do 😉.
Table Of Content
Quick and Easy Meal
This Italian puff pastry with ham recipe may look fancy and decadent, but it’s actually super quick and easy recipe to make. It’s loaded with flavor, starting with a base of crème fraîche and pesto. You can absolutely use store-bought pesto, but if you want to make it extra special, go ahead and make your own!
If you’d like to serve something alongside the puff pastry with ham, you’ll have just enough time to throw together a nice salad or warm up some soup while it’s in the oven. Buon appetito!
How to Make Italian Sheet Pan Tart
Did I mention how quick this tart is to make? You’ll have it on the table in just 25 minutes – how ideal is that? First, you pre-bake the sheet of puff pastry for a few minutes, then top it and bake for another 10–15 minutes. A golden brown base with delicious toppings is what you will serve!
Puff Pastry with Ham Toppings
On top of this puff pastry with ham, you’ll add a wonderful combination of fresh cherry tomatoes, crisp arugula, Serrano ham, mozzarella, and of course a little Parmesan cheese. Scroll down for the full instructions!
FAQ Puff Pastry With Ham
Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry works perfectly and makes this tart quick and easy to prepare. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using.
What type of ham works best?
Serrano ham is my go-to because of its rich flavor, but you can also use prosciutto, Parma ham, or even smoked ham if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this tart vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply leave out the ham and add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
Do I need to pre-bake the puff pastry?
Yes, pre-baking the puff pastry for a few minutes ensures that the base stays nice and crispy once you add the toppings.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or airfryer to keep the pastry crisp, avoid the microwave, as it makes the pastry soggy.
Can I prepare this tart ahead of time?
You can pre-bake the puff pastry and prepare the toppings in advance. Just assemble and bake right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (from the refrigerator section)
- 1 egg yolk (+ a splash of milk)
- sesame seeds (optional)
- 100 gram crème fraîche
- 1-2 tbsp pesto
- 100 gram mozzarella balls (small size)
- 50 gram cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 5 slices Serrano ham (or prosciutto)
- 2 handful arugula
- 1-2 tbsp Parmesan cheese ( shavings)
Equipment
- Sheet pan
- Pastry brush
INSTRUCTIONS (how to make this recipe):
- Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celcius / 430 degrees Fahrenheit with top and bottom heat.
- Roll out the puff pastry on the baking paper. Fold the edges up slightly if you’d like to create a decorative crust.
- Brush the edges with the beaten egg yolk mixed with a splash of milk. Prick the center of the pastry with a fork. Optionally, sprinkle the edges with sesame seeds.
- Pre-bake the puff pastry for 8 minutes.
- Spread a thin layer of crème fraîche over the base, followed by a very light layer of green pesto.
- Top with the mozzarella balls and halved cherry tomatoes. Bake for another 10–15 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Just before serving, add the Serrano ham, fresh arugula, and Parmesan shavings on top. Enjoy!
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