Savory Puff Pastry Swirls with Ham and Cheese: A Perfect Finger Food Recipe
Puff pastry swirls are a classic finger food ideal for various occasions, including birthday parties, garden celebrations, New Year’s Eve gatherings, or brunch buffets. With this recipe, you’ll create delicious savory puff pastry swirls filled with cheese, a must-have for any party spread.
Why Choose Puff Pastry Swirls?
Party recipes should be easy to prepare, allowing hosts to enjoy their celebrations without spending hours in the kitchen. You can prepare these puff pastry swirls days or even weeks in advance. Simply bake them until lightly golden, freeze them, and then reheat just before serving. These quick swirls may seem simple, but they are incredibly tasty and a hit at any gathering. Plus, you can easily make two versions: one vegetarian with cream cheese, cheese, and herbs, and the other with ham or salami.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 100 grams cheese, grated
- 100 grams ham (optional)
- 1 medium egg
- 2 tablespoons mixed herbs (e.g., chives, oregano, parsley)
- 60 grams crème fraîche (plain or herbed)
- 1 package puff pastry (275g) from the refrigerated section
Preparation Steps
- Prep Ingredients:
- Chop the onion and garlic.
- Dice the ham for the non-vegetarian option or skip it for a vegetarian version.
- Separate the egg.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) with both upper and lower heat.
- Mix Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the onion, garlic, cheese, ham (if using), egg white, herbs (fresh or dried), and crème fraîche. Mix well.
- Fill Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry and spread the filling evenly, leaving a 1 cm edge along one long side to prevent the filling from spilling out. Roll the pastry tightly from the long side to form a log, pressing the end to seal.
- Slice and Arrange:
- Cut the roll into 1-2 cm thick slices and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If the roll is too soft to cut, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Brush and Bake:
- Brush the tops with the reserved egg yolk for a shiny finish. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Swirls
- Puff Pastry Success: For detailed guidance on making puff pastry, refer to my basic puff pastry recipe.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Explore options for replacing ingredients as needed.