Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry Rolls:

• Puff pastry: 600 g (21 oz)
• Cream cheese: 150 g (5.3 oz)
• Boiled eggs (chopped): 3 pc
• Cheese (grated): 150 g (5.3 oz)
• Ham (sliced): 150 g (5.3 oz)
• Pickled cucumbers (chopped): 4 pc
• Parmesan (grated): 50 g (1.8 oz)
• Egg (for brushing): 1 pc

For the Beer-Cheese Sauce:

• Butter: 100 g (3.5 oz)
• All-purpose flour: 40 g (1.4 oz)
• Beer: 150 ml (5.1 fl oz)
• Milk: 100 ml (3.4 fl oz)
• Cheese (grated): 100 g (3.5 oz)
• Mustard: 30 g (1.1 oz)
• Sweet paprika: 3 g (0.1 oz)
• Black pepper: 1 g (0 oz)
• Salt: 3 g (0.1 oz)

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fat: 21 g

Servings

This recipe serves 6–8 people.

Steps to Prepare

1. Prepare the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped boiled eggs, grated cheese, diced ham, and chopped pickled cucumbers.
2. Mix thoroughly and season with a pinch of black pepper and salt to taste.

2. Assemble the Puff Pastry Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 3–5 mm thick.
3. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the pastry, leaving a 2 cm (1-inch) border on all sides.
4. Sprinkle the filling with grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
5. Carefully roll the pastry from one end to the other to form a tight log. Seal the edges by pinching the dough together.
6. Slice the roll into 2 cm (¾-inch) thick pieces and place them cut-side down on the prepared baking tray.
7. Brush the tops of the rolls with a beaten egg for a golden finish.

3. Bake the Rolls

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

4. Prepare the Beer-Cheese Sauce

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually add the beer and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Once the mixture thickens, stir in the grated cheese, mustard, sweet paprika, black pepper, and salt.
5. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

5. Serve

1. Arrange the puff pastry rolls on a platter and serve warm with the beer-cheese sauce on the side for dipping.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

The combination of flaky puff pastry, a savory filling, and a luxurious cheese sauce makes this recipe timeless. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, it’s guaranteed to impress.

The beer-cheese sauce elevates this dish with its rich, tangy flavor profile, reminiscent of classic European pub fare. The rolls themselves are endlessly customizable, allowing you to experiment with different cheeses, meats, or vegetables to create your own signature version.

Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Rolls

1. Keep It Cold: Work with cold puff pastry to ensure it puffs up beautifully in the oven.
2. Don’t Overfill: Use just enough filling to avoid the rolls bursting during baking.
3. Seal Edges Well: Pinch the edges tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out.
4. Even Slices: Use a sharp knife to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing the dough.
5. Customize the Sauce: Experiment with different types of beer and cheese to create unique flavor profiles.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the rolls and store them in the refrigerator (covered) for up to 12 hours before baking. Bake fresh for the best texture.

Q: Can I use a different sauce?
A: Absolutely! A garlic aioli, marinara sauce, or creamy ranch dressing would pair wonderfully with these rolls.

Q: What type of beer works best for the sauce?
A: A light lager or a medium-bodied ale works well. Avoid dark stouts as they can overpower the flavor.

Q: Can I freeze these rolls?
A: Yes, you can freeze unbaked rolls. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze baked or unbaked rolls as described above. Reheat baked rolls directly in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes.
• Sauce: Store the beer-cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or beer if it thickens too much.

Conclusion

Savory Puff Pastry Cheese and Ham Rolls with Beer-Cheese Sauce are more than just a dish; they’re an experience. From the moment you sink your teeth into the buttery, flaky layers of puff pastry to the explosion of flavors from the creamy cheese filling, smoky ham, and tangy pickled cucumbers, every bite feels like a celebration. The beer-cheese sauce adds an indulgent finishing touch, its rich and velvety texture complementing the crispiness of the rolls in a way that feels luxurious yet comforting.

This recipe is ideal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party, preparing snacks for game night, or looking for a hearty appetizer to impress your guests. The combination of textures and flavors ensures these rolls will be a hit with people of all ages. Their versatility also means you can easily adapt them to suit your personal preferences or experiment with different fillings, cheeses, and even dipping sauces to create your own signature version.

Additionally, the beer-cheese sauce itself is a star of this recipe, perfect not only as a dip for the rolls but also as a sauce for pretzels, vegetables, or even nachos. This dish offers layers of flavor, texture, and creativity, allowing you to showcase your culinary skills while delivering a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat.