Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls—perfect for a snack, appetizer, or party treat! These swirls are crispy, cheesy, and savory, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought, thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup mustard (Dijon or yellow, depending on your preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or a mix of both)
- 1/2 lb deli ham, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If the puff pastry is rectangular, you can keep it in its original shape or trim it into a square for a more uniform roll.
2. Assemble the Swirls:
- Spread a thin layer of mustard evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry.
- Layer the ham slices evenly across the pastry, covering the whole surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the ham.
3. Roll the Pastry:
- Starting at one edge, carefully roll the puff pastry tightly into a log or cylinder shape.
- Once rolled up, use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 1-inch wide slices. You should get about 8-10 swirls depending on the size of your pastry.
4. Prepare for Baking:
- Place the swirls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Brush the tops of the swirls lightly with olive oil to help them brown and crisp up during baking.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
6. Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the swirls to cool slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor (optional).
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips:
- Variation: You can use turkey, chicken, or even bacon instead of ham for different flavor variations.
- Cheese options: Try different cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or provolone for unique flavors.
- Spices and herbs: You can sprinkle some oregano or garlic powder over the top for an added flavor kick.
- Make-ahead: If you want to prepare these ahead of time, you can assemble the swirls and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and full of savory goodness. Perfect for parties, brunches, or a fun snack! Enjoy!