These Cheesy Tomato Pesto, Ham & Egg Pastries are an ideal breakfast choice because they combine flaky, golden pastry with a savoury, protein-packed filling, delivering a deliciously satisfying start to the day.
Cheesy Egg Puff Pastry – Quick & Easy Ham & Egg Breakfast Recipe
I’m always looking for new ways to serve up a breakfast for a crowd quickly. When my family arrives for brunch, we have hungry adults and children who are all looking forward to their breakfast. This recipe makes it easy, and you can make them ahead to avoid last-minute stress!
The combination of rich tomato pesto, smoky ham, and gooey melted cheese creates layers of flavour, while the baked egg nestled in the centre adds a boost of nutrients and keeps you full for longer. They’re easy to prepare, whether using an oven or air fryer, making them a great option for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch. Plus, their individual portions make them perfect for serving a crowd or meal-prepping in advance. For an extra touch, a dollop of beetroot relish and fresh chives adds a vibrant, slightly sweet contrast that elevates this simple dish into something truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Egg pastry Recipe
- Fast & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Flaky & Crispy: Perfectly golden puff pastry.
- Versatile: Customize with different cheeses, meats, or veggies.
- Oven & Air Fryer Friendly: Two cooking methods for convenience.
Let me know how your Cheesy Ham & Egg Puff Pastries turn out, or share your photos in the comments below!
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The Best Cheesy Ham & Egg Puff Pastry
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, just thawed
- 7 small eggs (60g each)
- 1/3 cup semi-dried tomato pesto
- 1 cup grated tasty cheese
- 80g shaved leg ham, chopped
- Beetroot relish and sliced chives, to serve (optional)
Instructions
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 200°C (fan-forced).
- Line a large oven tray with baking paper.
- Cut the pastry sheet into six equal rectangles (8cm x 12cm).
- Using the tip of a sharp knife, lightly score a 1.5cm border around each piece, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through. This creates a vol-au-vent-style casing for the egg.
- Place pastry rectangles on the prepared tray.
- Whisk one egg and brush it over the borders.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Let them cool for 2 minutes, then gently press down the centres using the back of a spoon to create space for the filling.
- Reduce oven temperature to 180°C.
- Spread pesto over the base of each pastry case.
- Sprinkle over half the grated cheese and chopped ham.
- Make a small well in the centre and crack one egg into each pastry case.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the egg whites are set.
- Top with beetroot relish and chives, if using. Serve warm.
Air Fryer Method
- Prepare & Pre-cook Pastry:
- Line the air fryer basket with baking paper.
- Prepare pastry as per above.
- Cook three pastry rectangles at 180°C for 4-5 minutes, until puffed and golden.
- Flip them over and cook for 1 more minute to crisp up the base.
- Remove and set aside. Repeat with the remaining three pastry pieces.
- Assemble & Air Fry: Gently press down the centre of each puffed pastry case.
- Add pesto, half the cheese, and ham, then create a well in the centre.
- Crack one egg into each case and sprinkle over the remaining cheese.
- Air fry three at a time at 160°C for 8-9 minutes, or until the egg is set.
- Serve: Garnish with beetroot relish and chives, if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 260Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 194mgSodium: 452mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 14g
Eatdrinkandbekerry.net offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Egg Puff Pastries
- Use cold puff pastry for the best rise.
- Don’t overfill or the egg may spill out.
- Cook times vary based on your oven/air fryer—check the egg for doneness.
- Customize with spinach, mushrooms, or feta.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 160°C for 5 minutes or in the air fryer for 3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I freeze these puff pastries?
Yes! Freeze before baking, then cook straight from frozen at 200°C for 18-20 minutes.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap ham for mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
These ham & egg puff pastries are the ultimate breakfast treat! Whether you bake them in the oven or air fry them, they’re guaranteed to impress. Try them this weekend and let me know how they turn out!
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below and rate it! Tag me on Instagram @eatdrinkandbekerry with your creations!
