Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Roll

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Roll: A Savory, Flaky Delight

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Roll is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together the buttery, flaky goodness of puff pastry with the rich flavors of ham and cheese.

This versatile recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a quick appetizer, or want to prepare a savory snack.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you create this delightful pastry, along with tips and variations to make it your own.

Ingredients:

For the Puff Pastry Roll:

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed (store-bought or homemade)

6-8 slices of ham (use your favorite variety, such as honey ham or smoked ham)

1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère work well)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth out any creases and to make it slightly thinner.

Assemble the Roll:

If using mustard, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard evenly over the puff pastry.

Layer the slices of ham evenly over the mustard, leaving a small border around the edges of the pastry.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the ham.

Roll and Seal:

Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log, similar to how you would roll a jelly roll.

Pinch the seams and ends to seal the roll, and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Add the Finishing Touches:

Brush the top of the roll with the beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish.

Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and a little extra shredded cheese on top if desired.

Bake the Roll:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp.

Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack.

Serve:

Slice the roll into 1-inch pieces and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard or aioli.

Tips and Variations:

Different Meats: Substitute the ham with turkey, roast beef, or prosciutto for a different flavor profile.

Vegetarian Option: Replace the ham with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Cheese Variety: Mix and match different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or blue cheese to suit your taste.

Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.

Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the cheese mixture for added aroma and flavor.

Conclusion

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Roll is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that combines the rich flavors of ham and cheese with the buttery flakiness of puff pastry.

Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a snack, or part of a meal, this roll is sure to impress.

The ease of preparation and the potential for endless variations make this recipe a go-to for any occasion.

Enjoy making and sharing this delightful puff pastry creation!