Pastry with ham and mozzarella

Ham and mozzarella puff pastry – A crispy delight for special moments

Looking for a quick, simple, and delicious recipe to impress your guests or simply to pamper your family on a relaxing Sunday? The ham and mozzarella puff pastry is the perfect choice! This savory appetizer takes us back to joyful moments when the aroma of melted cheese and delicious ham fills the air, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 sheet of fresh puff pastry
- 150 g slices of ham (preferably high quality)
- 150 g grated mozzarella (or cubes, if you prefer)
- (Optional) 2-3 tablespoons of tomato sauce for an extra flavor boost
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 beaten egg for brushing (optional)

A bit of history
Puff pastry is a pastry technique with a rich history, dating back to the Middle Ages. Used in both sweet and savory dishes, puff pastry is known for its airy and crispy texture. Its combination with various fillings, such as ham and mozzarella, has become popular due to its versatility and savory taste.

Step by step to perfect puff pastry

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. If using whole mozzarella, use a large grater to turn it into delicious shreds. This will help the cheese melt evenly.

2. Unrolling the pastry: Take the sheet of puff pastry and roll it out on a clean surface. Make sure it is at room temperature for easier handling.

3. Adding mozzarella: Evenly sprinkle the grated mozzarella over the entire surface of the pastry. This will form the delicious base of your appetizer.

4. Adding ham: Place the slices of ham over the mozzarella, being careful to cover well so that each bite brings a perfect mix of cheese and meat.

5. Cutting the pastry: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the pastry into long strips, about 2-3 cm wide. This will make it easier to roll the strips.

6. Rolling the strips: Roll each strip of puff pastry very tightly. This step is crucial to achieve a crispy and airy pastry.

7. Forming circles: Place the formed circles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between them, as they will puff up during baking.

8. Brushing (optional): If you want to achieve a glossy crust, you can brush the circles with beaten egg. This step is optional but will add a nice appearance.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Bake the circles for about 15 minutes or until golden and crispy.

10. Serving: Remove the pastry from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, alongside tomato sauce or sweet mustard, for an extra flavor boost.

Suggestions and variations
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or brie, to vary the flavor.
- Add spices like oregano or basil for a more aromatic taste.
- Replace the ham with bacon or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before using.

2. How can I store leftover pastry?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat it in the oven to make it crispy again.

3. Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Absolutely! The ham and mozzarella puff pastry is a perfect appetizer for any occasion.

Nutritional benefits
This recipe contains protein from ham and mozzarella, which are essential for a balanced diet. Additionally, puff pastry provides carbohydrates, necessary for energy. Consumed in moderation, this appetizer can be part of a healthy diet.

Estimated calories
A serving of ham and mozzarella puff pastry contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the serving size.

In conclusion, the ham and mozzarella puff pastry is a simple and quick recipe, ideal for bringing joy and flavor to any gathering. With just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create an appetizer that will surely impress any guest. So, equip yourself with a smile and let’s get cooking!