Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that the puff pastry bakes up golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, it should already be rolled into a square or rectangle. Use a rolling pin to smooth it out to an even thickness, about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the pastry into long strips (about 1 ½ to 2 inches wide) to prepare them for rolling.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, and dried oregano (if using). Stir until well mixed. This garlic butter will infuse the pastry with flavor.
- Assemble the Filling: Lay out your strips of puff pastry and brush them generously with the garlic buttermixture. This will give the pastry a delicious garlic flavor as it bakes.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Layer the Ham and Cheese: Lay slices of ham evenly across the pastry strips, ensuring they cover the surface without overlapping too much. Follow with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of the ham.
- Roll Up the Pastry: Carefully roll up each strip of pastry tightly, starting from one edge and rolling towards the other. The puff pastry should seal itself as you roll, but you can pinch the edges together to ensure it stays closed. You should end up with neat rolls that are easy to bake.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Place each roll onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top of each roll with the beaten egg. This will give the rolls a beautiful golden, glossy finish once baked.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the cheese is melted and bubbling out from the sides. The exact time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them toward the end.
- Cool Slightly: Once out of the oven, allow the rolls to cool for a couple of minutes before serving. The filling can be hot, so giving them a brief rest ensures that you won’t burn yourself when biting into these delicious rolls.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish (Optional): For an extra burst of flavor and color, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the rolls. This step is optional, but it adds a fresh, aromatic touch to the final dish.
- Serve: Serve the puff pastry rolls warm as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They pair wonderfully with a light salad or a dipping sauce like honey mustard, ranch, or marinara. These rolls are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Rolls:
- Don’t Overfill the Rolls: When adding the ham and cheese, make sure you don’t overfill the pastry. Too much filling will make it hard for the rolls to bake evenly, and they might burst open during baking.
- Use High-Quality Ham: The flavor of the ham will shine through in this recipe, so opt for high-quality deli ham or freshly sliced ham from the butcher for the best taste.
- Flake the Pastry: If you prefer your puff pastry to be even flakier, gently score the surface of the pastry before you bake it. Just be sure not to cut too deeply, as you want to avoid cutting through the filling.
- Serve Freshly Baked: While these rolls can be stored in the fridge for a day or two, puff pastry is always best when freshly baked. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to revive that crispy texture.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheese blends, like Gruyère, Provolone, or Gouda for unique flavors.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant, earthy note. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice spicy kick if you prefer a bit of heat.
Why These Puff Pastry Rolls are the Best:
These Ham, Cheese, and Garlic Puff Pastry Rolls are a perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and garlicky goodness. The buttery, flaky pastry pairs wonderfully with the rich, melty cheese and tender ham. The garlic butter brings everything together with aromatic flavors, and the egg wash ensures a perfectly golden, crispy exterior. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a snack, these rolls will always be a crowd favorite.
Enjoy baking and indulging in these irresistible puff pastry rolls! Perfect for any time of the day, they’ll definitely become a staple in your recipe collection.