Here’s a Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. These swirls are deliciously crispy on the outside with melted cheese and savory ham on the inside.
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade, thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss work well)
- 1/2 cup deli ham, thinly sliced (or you can use leftover cooked ham)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley, optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out if needed. If the pastry is too thick, gently roll it to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Spread the Mustard (Optional):
- If using Dijon mustard, spread a thin layer over the surface of the puff pastry. This adds a nice tangy flavor to the swirls.
- Layer with Ham and Cheese:
- Evenly layer the thin slices of deli ham over the pastry, covering the surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the ham.
- Roll the Pastry:
- Starting at one edge of the pastry, carefully roll it up into a tight log or cylinder. The tightness will help the swirls hold together when sliced.
- If the pastry becomes too soft as you roll it, place it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up before continuing.
- Slice the Roll:
- Once the pastry is rolled up, slice it into 1-inch wide swirls using a sharp knife. You should get about 8-10 swirls, depending on the size of the pastry.
- Brush with Egg Wash:
- Place the swirls on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of each swirl with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Serve:
- Remove the swirls from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes.
- Optionally, sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper and chopped fresh herbs on top for a bit of extra flavor.
- Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or alongside a salad.
Tips:
- Cheese variety: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for more complex flavor. Mozzarella, gouda, or Parmesan are all great choices.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be added to the filling for added flavor.
- Make ahead: These can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. You can also freeze the unbaked swirls for later use.
These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls are perfect for parties, brunches, or just a delicious snack. They’re crispy, cheesy, and filled with savory ham—what’s not to love? Enjoy!