Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Rolls

Yield: About 10–14 rolls
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chilling: 15–20 minutes
Bake time: 18–25 minutes
Total time: About 50–60 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 6–8 slices ham
• 6–8 slices Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or thyme
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, optional
• Black pepper, to taste
• A little flour for rolling

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Heat oven to 200°C / 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the pastry
   Lightly flour your work surface and roll the puff pastry into a rectangle, approximately ¼ inch (5–6 mm) thick.
3. Add the filling
   Arrange the ham slices evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Place the cheese slices on top.
4. Season
   Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian herbs, black pepper, and Parmesan if using.
5. Roll it up
   Starting from one long side, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log, similar to the roll shown in the photo. Pinch the seam gently to seal it.
6. Chill
   For cleaner slices, refrigerate the rolled pastry for 15–20 minutes.
7. Slice
   Using a sharp knife, cut the log into rounds about 1–1½ inches (2.5–4 cm) thick.
8. Arrange
   Place the rolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
9. Brush with egg wash
   Beat the egg and brush it lightly over the exposed pastry.
10. Add the finishing touch
    Mix the melted butter with a little dried thyme or Italian seasoning and lightly brush over the rolls.
11. Bake
    Bake for approximately 18–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden and the cheese is melted.
12. Serve
    Let them cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm.

⭐ Tips for Perfect Rolls

• Keep the puff pastry cold while working with it for maximum flakiness.
• Don’t overfill with ham or cheese, otherwise the rolls can open during baking.
• Refrigerating the log before slicing makes the pinwheels much easier to cut.
• For extra flavor, add Dijon mustard or a thin layer of garlic butter beneath the ham.
• Serve with marinara, honey mustard, ranch, or a creamy garlic dipping sauce.

ENJOY