Warm appetizer roll

Warm appetizer roll with Bechamel sauce, ham, and cheese - A Delicacy Easy to Prepare

If you're looking for an appetizer recipe that will impress and satisfy your appetite, you've come to the right place. The warm appetizer roll with Bechamel sauce is an excellent choice. This recipe, similar to a soufflé but much simpler and quicker, combines creamy textures with delicious flavors of ham and cheese. Whether you serve it at a party or as an appetizer for a family dinner, it is sure to become a favorite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Necessary Ingredients:
- 250 g butter
- 6 heaping tablespoons of flour + 1 tablespoon
- 1 l milk
- 6 eggs (4 yolks and 2 whites)
- 300 g cheese (sliced)
- 200 g ham (sliced)
- 100 ml sour cream
- 12 quail eggs
- 1 red bell pepper (or sweet pepper)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Bechamel Sauce:
Start by melting 250 g of diced butter in a saucepan over low heat. It is important not to burn the butter; so stir constantly with a spatula. Once melted, add the 6 heaping tablespoons of flour and mix vigorously to form a roux. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the taste of raw flour.

2. Adding the Milk:
Gradually add 1 liter of milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking over low heat, stirring, until the sauce thickens. This step is essential for achieving a smooth texture.

3. Incorporating the Eggs:
Once the Bechamel sauce has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the 4 egg yolks, mixing well to incorporate. This step will add extra richness to the sauce.

4. Beating the Egg Whites:
In a separate bowl, beat the 2 egg whites with a pinch of salt until a firm foam forms. These beaten egg whites will provide aeration to your roll. Carefully fold this foam into the Bechamel mixture, stirring gently to avoid losing the air from the egg whites.

5. Baking the Roll:
Prepare a baking tray by lining it with greased parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the tray and place it in the preheated oven at 160 degrees Celsius for about 20-30 minutes, or until the surface is nicely browned.

6. Rolling and Filling:
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the roll cool slightly. Meanwhile, boil 12 quail eggs for 5 minutes, then cool them quickly in cold water and peel them. Unroll the roll, add slices of ham, cheese, quail eggs, and slices of bell pepper. Carefully roll it up tightly, using the parchment paper to assist.

7. Finalizing the Dish:
Place the roll in a greased loaf pan. In a bowl, beat 2 eggs with 100 ml of sour cream and 1 tablespoon of flour, then pour the mixture over the roll. Grate additional cheese on top for extra flavor. Return the roll to the oven for 10 minutes, until golden brown.

8. Serving:
The warm appetizer roll is ready! Slice and serve warm, alongside a fresh salad or a sour cream and cheese sauce for a delicious contrast.

Practical Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better homogenization.
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as feta or mozzarella, to vary the flavors.
- If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can include herbs like dill or parsley in the Bechamel mixture.

Nutritional Benefits:
This roll is rich in protein due to the eggs and cheese, while the ham provides a good amount of iron and B vitamins. Additionally, the bell pepper adds a boost of vitamins A and C.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can this roll be made in advance? Yes, you can prepare the roll a day ahead and then reheat it before serving.
- What drinks pair well with this roll? Offer a dry white wine or a fresh lemonade for a pleasant contrast.

If you have leftover roll, you can reheat it in the microwave or serve it cold, accompanied by a sour cream and cheese sauce. This versatile recipe is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!