Ham puffs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, combining savory ham, sharp cheddar, and buttery dough into irresistibly poppable bites. This easy 5-ingredient recipe guarantees big flavor with minimal effort.
Perfect for game day spreads, brunch tables, or last-minute snacks, these cheesy ham puffs disappear in minutes. With a crisp golden edge and soft center, they’re addictively good straight from the oven.
Main Ingredients That Make Ham Puffs So Irresistible
- Butter – Provides rich flavor and helps bind the dough together, creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Cheddar Cheese – Brings bold, salty sharpness and melts beautifully into the dough for gooey goodness.
- Cooked Ham – Adds savory, smoky meatiness to every bite, perfectly complementing the cheese.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Infuses a hint of umami depth that elevates the savory flavors without overpowering.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the dough, ensuring the puffs hold their shape and bake up beautifully golden.
How to Make These Cheesy Ham Puffs
Start by combining softened butter, shredded cheddar, diced ham, and a splash of Worcestershire in a bowl until smooth. Add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
Roll the dough into bite-sized balls, about ½-inch each, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven at 350ºF and bake until golden and set, about 15 to 18 minutes.
Let them cool slightly before serving — or enjoy warm while the cheese is still gooey inside.
Tips, Tricks, and Tasty Variations
For the best texture, make sure your butter is soft but not melted before mixing. Room temperature helps everything blend evenly. Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melt and flavor, avoiding pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents.
Swap cheddar for Swiss, pepper jack, or Gruyère for a unique spin, or add a pinch of cayenne or mustard powder for a subtle kick. Want to make them heartier? Toss in some finely chopped green onions or a hint of Dijon mustard to the mix.
If your dough feels too soft, chill it briefly before rolling — it’ll be easier to handle and shape consistently.
Storing Leftovers: Keep the Flavor Fresh
Ham puffs are perfect make-ahead bites. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, pop them in a 300ºF oven for about 5–7 minutes or until warmed through.
For longer storage, freeze the baked puffs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, bake straight from frozen at 325ºF for 10–12 minutes until hot and golden.
Ham Puffs
Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1¼ cups cooked ham finely chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the softened butter, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped ham, and Worcestershire sauce until well incorporated.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, blending until the dough is fully combined and uniform in texture.
- Shape the dough into balls approximately ½ inch in diameter and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puffs are golden and cooked through.
Notes
For accurate flour measurement, loosen it first by stirring, spoon it gently into a measuring cup, and level the top without compacting.
Ensure the dough is thoroughly mixed to incorporate the flour completely.
Baked puffs can be frozen for convenient future snacking.
