Ham Cheese Breakfast Tarts (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
2 puff pastry sheets, softened to room temperature
02 -
1 egg whisked with 1 tsp water as a glaze
03 -
170g (6 oz) of shredded Gruyere cheese
04 -
8 Black Forest ham slices
05 -
8 eggs
06 -
Salt (kosher) and black pepper (freshly ground), adjusted to taste
07 -
Chopped chives for decoration
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
02 -
Take the puff pastry sheets and roll them into squares of equal size. Slice each one into 4 smaller even squares. Spread those squares out evenly on two parchment-covered baking sheets. Use a fork to poke little holes in the center, coat with the egg glaze, and sprinkle a bit of kosher salt.
03 -
Lay down a slice of ham on each square. Sprinkle the Gruyere cheese in a ring over the ham, leaving the center open for an egg later. Place in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. The edges should look puffy.
04 -
Take the pastries out of the oven. Gently press a small dip into each center using a spoon's back. Crack an egg straight into each dip. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
05 -
Put the pastries back in the oven and let them bake for another 10-15 minutes. The eggs should set, and the pastry should be beautifully golden. Pull them out, scatter the chopped chives over the top, and serve while hot.
# Notes:
01 -
Instead of bread, this take on the French Croque Madame uses puff pastry for an elegant twist.
02 -
Want runny yolks? Cut back the second baking time by 2-3 minutes.