Ingredients:
- For the Swirls:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 lb (225g) deli ham (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella—mix or choose based on your preference)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you are using a convection oven, you may want to lower the temperature by about 25°F (10-15°C) to avoid over-browning.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a clean surface or baking mat. If it’s a bit cold and difficult to unroll, let it sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes to soften slightly.
- Use a rolling pin to smooth out any creases and ensure the dough is evenly flattened.
3. Spread Mustard (Optional):
- If you want a little extra flavor, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard evenly over the surface of the puff pastry. This step adds a nice tangy contrast to the richness of the ham and cheese, but it’s completely optional if you prefer a milder flavor.
4. Add Ham and Cheese:
- Lay slices of ham evenly across the entire surface of the puff pastry. You can overlap the slices slightly to ensure there’s ham in every bite.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the ham, ensuring it covers the entire pastry.
5. Roll Up the Puff Pastry:
- Starting from one edge, gently roll the puff pastry sheet into a tight log (like you would a jelly roll or Swiss roll). Make sure it’s rolled up as evenly as possible so that the swirls will be uniform in size.
- Once rolled, trim off any uneven ends to make the roll neat.
6. Slice the Roll:
- Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled puff pastry into 1-inch thick slices. You should get about 8-10 swirls from one sheet of puff pastry, depending on the size.
7. Prepare for Baking:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the ham and cheese swirls on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to allow for expansion as they bake.
- Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the egg wash over the top of each swirl. This will help give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
8. Bake the Swirls:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
9. Cool and Serve:
- Once they are done baking, remove the swirls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. The cheese inside will be very hot, so give them a few minutes to set before serving.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
10. Serve:
- Serve these savory ham and cheese puff pastry swirls warm as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. They’re perfect for dipping in mustard, ketchup, or your favorite sauce!
Notes:
- Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry works great for this recipe, but you can also use homemade puff pastry if you have it on hand. Make sure the pastry is chilled but not frozen for easy handling.
- Cheese: Feel free to use any cheese you like. Cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or Gruyère are all excellent choices. You could even mix different cheeses for added depth of flavor.
- Ham Alternatives: You can substitute the ham with turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives like mushrooms or spinach for a non-meat version.
- Mustard: While Dijon mustard adds a bit of zing, you can omit it or use a mild yellow mustard if you prefer a more neutral flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead: These can be prepared ahead of time. Roll them up, slice them, and then store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. When ready, bake them according to the instructions.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the swirls, simply slice them and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the swirls to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions:
These Savory Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of settings:
- Party Appetizers: They are perfect finger foods for parties, game days, or gatherings. Serve them with a side of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo.
- Brunch or Breakfast: Pair them with eggs, a side salad, or some fresh fruit for a light and savory brunch.
- Kids’ Snack: These are great for kids—easy to eat and packed with flavor. They’re also a fantastic way to use up leftover ham from holiday meals.
Conclusion:
Savory Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls are a wonderful treat that combines the best of buttery, flaky pastry with the comforting flavors of ham and cheese. They are quick to make, easy to serve, and sure to impress your family and guests. Whether you’re making them for a casual snack or as an elegant party appetizer, these swirls will always be a hit!
