1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the 500g puff pastry to your desired thickness. You can make it thinner for a lighter texture or thicker for a heartier bite.
Spread Mustard: Evenly spread 50g mustard over the puff pastry using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
2. Add the Fillings:
Layer Ham and Cheese: Arrange 200g ham evenly over the mustard-covered pastry. Then sprinkle or layer 200g cheese on top of the ham.
3. Fold and Seal:
Shape the Pastry: Fold the puff pastry over the filling to create a sealed pocket or roll, depending on your preferred shape.
Egg Wash: Beat 1 egg and brush it over the top of the pastry to give it a glossy, golden finish when baked.
4. Bake the Puff Pastry:
Bake: Place the prepared pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
5. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
Make a Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt 30g butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 25g flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes until a smooth paste forms.
Add Milk: Gradually pour in 300ml milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook, whisking often, until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Season the Sauce: Stir in 4g nutmeg, 5g black pepper, 10g salt, and 30g grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Finish and Serve:
Cool and Serve: Once the puff pastry is golden brown, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack.
Serve with Béchamel: Serve the warm puff pastry with the béchamel sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
Garnish: Sprinkle finely chopped pickled cucumbers over the top for a burst of tangy flavor and extra texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Why This Recipe Works:
Perfect Flavor Balance: The tang of mustard pairs beautifully with the savory ham and cheese, while the rich béchamel sauce adds creaminess, and the pickled cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch.
Flaky Puff Pastry: The puff pastry creates a crisp, golden shell, encasing the delicious filling.
Quick and Easy: With minimal effort, this recipe delivers maximum flavor and a wow factor for any occasion.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a quick, savory snack, this Savory Puff Pastry with ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce is guaranteed to impress. Easy to prepare and irresistible to eat, this dish is bound to become a favorite. Try it today, and you’ll understand why it’s creating such a buzz—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite! Enjoy!
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