Good reasons to make ham pastry roll
This Ham Pastry Roll is perfect for busy weekdays because it requires very little preparation time. The combination of salty ham and melted cheese inside golden pastry is always a crowd pleaser. It travels well in a lunchbox and tastes just as good cold the next day. You can easily customise the filling with different herbs or mustard to suit your taste.
Follow these 4 steps for ham pastry roll
Prepare the base: Preheat your oven to 200C and line a large baking tray with baking paper. Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto the paper and spread a thin layer of mustard over the surface. Leave a small border around the edges so the pastry can seal properly later.
Add the filling: Place the ham slices evenly across the pastry sheet. Sprinkle the grated cheese and dried parsley over the ham. Make sure the filling is flat so the ham pastry roll is easy to roll up tightly.
Roll the pastry: Starting from one long side, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. Turn the roll so the seam is facing downwards on the baking tray. Use a fork to press the ends together to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
Bake until golden: Whisk the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of the pastry. Use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits in the top to let steam escape. Bake for about 25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Important tips for ham pastry roll
To get the best results with your ham pastry roll, make sure the pastry is cold when you start working with it. If the dough becomes too warm, it can get sticky and difficult to handle. You can add a little bit of honey to the mustard for a sweeter flavour profile. Brushing the top with egg wash is essential for achieving that professional golden shine. Let the roll rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to make slicing easier.
If you want extra texture, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top before baking. This helps the ham pastry roll look even more appetising when served. Always ensure the seam of the pastry is at the bottom to prevent the roll from opening while it cooks.
You can also try these recipes:
italian vegetable soup,
grilled prawn skewers or
oven-roasted beef shoulder.
