Appetizer Roll

Appetizer roll with cheese and roasted peppers

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10

I propose a delicious and versatile appetizer roll recipe, perfect for any occasion. This roll with cheese and roasted peppers not only looks spectacular but also has a taste that will win everyone over. It is ideal for parties, picnics, or simply to be enjoyed with family.

The history of the appetizer roll goes back in time, but it is known that this type of dish was created to offer an ingenious way to combine various ingredients into a single dish, easy to serve and enjoy. Each variation has its own story, and the ingredients used can vary depending on individual preferences.

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 6 fresh eggs
- 150 g flour
- 6 tablespoons of milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the cheese cream:
- 80 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 100 ml sour cream
- 150 g grated telemea cheese (on a fine grater)
- 150 g grated cheese (on a fine grater)

For the filling:
- 1 roasted red pepper
- 1 roasted green pepper
- 150-200 g slices of ham, salami, or bacon (your choice)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the base:
- Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Choose a baking tray of about 33/37 cm, which you can line with baking paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites from the 6 eggs with the salt until you obtain a firm and shiny foam. This step is essential to give the base a fluffy texture.
- Add the egg yolks and continue mixing, but only to combine them with the egg whites. Do not overmix, as you want to keep the air in the mixture.
- Pour in the milk and gently mix with a wooden spoon. Then, incorporate the sifted flour together with the baking powder. Mix carefully so as not to deflate the air in the mixture until everything is well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and level the surface. Place the tray in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the base turns golden and passes the toothpick test. A toothpick inserted in the center of the base should come out clean.

2. Rolling the base:
- Once the base is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. In the meantime, take a clean, damp towel and place it on a flat surface.
- When the base is warm, carefully invert it onto the damp towel. Gently remove the baking paper and roll the base using the towel to help you. Let it cool while you prepare the cream.

3. Cheese cream:
- In a medium bowl, mix the soft butter with the sour cream until it becomes a smooth cream. Add the grated telemea cheese and grated cheese, mixing well. Adjust salt to taste. This cream will add a rich and savory flavor to your roll.

4. Preparing the peppers:
- While the base and cream are cooling, you can roast the peppers. You can place them on a tray in the oven or grill them until the skin is charred and easily peels off. Place them in a plastic bag for a few minutes to steam. Then, peel off the skin and cut them into slices about 1.5 cm thick.

5. Assembling the roll:
- Unroll the cooled roll and spread half of the cheese cream over the entire surface. Arrange the pepper slices and then the slices of ham, salami, or bacon, according to your preferences.
- Spread the remaining cheese cream over the filling and roll it up again, being careful to press gently as you roll. This step is important to maintain the shape of the roll.
- Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to firm up and blend the flavors.

6. Serving:
- The next day, take the roll out of the fridge and slice it thinly. The roll is perfect served cold. You can garnish it with fresh herbs or a few slices of colorful vegetables for a pleasing appearance.

Useful tips:
- You can vary the filling of the roll by adding olives, mushrooms, or vegetables of your choice, depending on your preferences.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add spices like black pepper, paprika, or herbs to the cheese cream.
- This roll pairs excellently with a glass of white wine or a fruit cocktail, adding a touch of flavor to your meal.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This appetizer roll is an excellent choice for a healthy snack, being rich in protein from eggs, cheeses, and meat. It contains approximately 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the filling. The cheeses provide calcium and essential vitamins, while the vegetables add fiber and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use quail eggs? Yes, but you will need to adjust the quantity since quail eggs are smaller.
- Can I make the roll a day in advance? Absolutely! The roll becomes even more delicious as the flavors blend.
- Is it suitable for vegetarians? You can adapt the recipe by removing the meat and adding more vegetables.

This appetizer roll will surely become your favorite due to its versatility and delicious taste. Enjoy every bite and share it with your loved ones!