Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Roll is a quick and delicious snack that combines flaky pastry with savory ham and gooey melted cheese. It is simple to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and makes a perfect appetizer, party snack, or even a light meal. The golden, buttery crust with its cheesy, meaty filling is irresistible for both kids and adults. This recipe is versatile and can be customized with different cheeses, herbs, or even vegetables to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 6–8 slices of deli ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss)
- 1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or parsley (optional)
- A pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle. If you like an extra layer of flavor, spread a thin coat of Dijon mustard on the pastry.
- Lay slices of ham evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the ham, then season with oregano and black pepper. Carefully roll up the pastry lengthwise into a log and seal the edges tightly.
- Brush the rolled pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish. Slice the roll into even pieces about 1 inch thick and place them cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 18–22 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy.
Servings
This recipe makes about 6–8 servings depending on slice size.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
Notes
You can prepare the roll ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. The recipe works with different cheeses such as Gruyère for a nutty flavor or mozzarella for extra stretchiness. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Tips
Use cold puff pastry for best results to ensure the dough puffs up properly. Do not overfill with cheese as it may leak out during baking. For a festive touch, brush with egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds before baking. If making for kids, you can add a bit of ketchup or mild mustard inside for extra flavor.
Health Benefits
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Rolls provide a good balance of protein from the ham and cheese, along with carbohydrates for quick energy. Cheese offers calcium and vitamin D for bone health, while ham provides essential minerals like zinc and iron. Although puff pastry is higher in fat, when enjoyed in moderation, this dish can be part of a satisfying and balanced diet. You can make it healthier by using whole wheat pastry or leaner cuts of ham.
Q & A
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, replace ham with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Q: Can I freeze the rolls before baking?
A: Absolutely, assemble the roll, slice, and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a bag and bake directly from frozen when needed.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella all work well. Stronger cheeses add more flavor, while mozzarella gives a melty texture.
Q: How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
A: Make sure the filling is not too wet and bake on parchment paper at the recommended temperature for proper crisping.
Q: Can I serve this cold?
A: These rolls taste best warm, but they can also be eaten cold as a quick snack or packed lunch.