Few dishes manage to strike the balance between elegance and comfort as perfectly as a savory puff pastry roll. This golden, flaky delight envelops a luscious filling of creamy cheese, ham, mushrooms, boiled eggs, and pickled cucumbers. The filling is complemented by a robust tomato sauce, featuring roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs of Provence.
This dish is the epitome of versatility—it can be served as an appetizer, a centerpiece at festive gatherings, or a comforting meal for a cozy evening at home. What makes this puff pastry roll timeless is its adaptability. You can tweak the filling to include your favorite ingredients, yet its rich flavor profile and satisfying textures always shine through. This guide walks you through every detail to ensure your roll turns out as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry Roll:
- Puff pastry: 700 g (25 oz), store-bought or homemade
- Boiled eggs: 2, peeled and chopped
- Cheese cream: 120 g (4.2 oz)
- Cheese (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar): 150 g (5.3 oz), grated
- Ham: 100 g (3.5 oz), thinly sliced
- Pickled cucumbers: 3, finely diced
- Mushrooms: 250 g (8.8 oz), sautéed and chopped
- Parmesan: 100 g (3.5 oz), grated
- Egg: 1, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Sauce:
- Cherry tomatoes: 300 g (11 oz)
- Garlic: 20 g (0.7 oz), minced
- Olive oil: 20 ml (0.7 fl oz)
- Salt: 3 g (0.1 oz)
- Black pepper: 2 g (0.1 oz)
- Onion: 2, finely chopped
- Parsley: 10 g (0.4 oz), chopped
- Herbs of Provence: 3 g (0.1 oz)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 6-8 portions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Boil the Eggs: Place two eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. Peel and chop the eggs finely.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil, and sauté the mushrooms until golden brown and their moisture has evaporated. Let cool and chop finely.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the boiled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, cheese cream, grated cheese, diced pickled cucumbers, and sliced ham. Stir until well incorporated.
Step 2: Assemble the Puff Pastry Roll
- Roll Out the Dough: Roll the puff pastry into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the filling mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- Roll It Up: Carefully roll the pastry into a tight log, starting from the longer side. Seal the edges by pressing gently and tuck in the ends.
- Egg Wash: Brush the entire roll with beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish during baking.
Step 3: Bake
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place the roll in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
- Roast the Tomatoes: Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and herbs of Provence. Spread them on a baking tray and roast in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes.
- Sauté the Onions: In a saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until softened.
- Blend: Add the roasted tomatoes to the saucepan, stir well, and simmer for 5 minutes. Blend the mixture with a hand blender for a smooth sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice the puff pastry roll into 1-inch pieces. Serve hot with a generous spoonful of the tomato sauce on the side.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
Why This Recipe is Timeless
This savory puff pastry roll is a celebration of flavors and textures, making it a dish that never goes out of style. The buttery layers of pastry contrast beautifully with the creamy, savory filling. The accompanying tomato sauce adds a vibrant, tangy counterpoint to the richness of the roll.
Its versatility ensures it fits any occasion. It can serve as a hearty breakfast, a party appetizer, or a comforting dinner. This adaptability is what makes it timeless; you can customize the filling with seasonal vegetables, leftover meats, or a variety of cheeses to suit your taste.
Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Rolls
- Keep It Cold: Work with chilled puff pastry to maintain its flakiness. If it becomes too warm, chill it for 10 minutes before proceeding.
- Seal the Edges: Use a bit of water or egg wash to seal the edges of the roll and prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting, avoid overloading the pastry with filling to prevent it from tearing.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the roll cool for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its structure.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap the unbaked roll in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheat: Warm slices in a 180°C (350°F) oven until heated through to revive their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Replace the ham with spinach, roasted peppers, or caramelized onions for a vegetarian option.
Q: Can I use store-bought tomato sauce?
A: Yes, but making your own sauce enhances the dish’s freshness and flavor.
Q: Can I prepare the roll ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble the roll and refrigerate it (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh when needed.
Conclusion
This savory puff pastry roll is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience that bridges the gap between simplicity and sophistication. Its buttery, flaky exterior encases a creamy, flavorful filling, while the homemade tomato sauce adds a burst of freshness.
Perfect for any occasion, this dish invites creativity. Swap ingredients to match your preferences, and you’ll never grow tired of its timeless appeal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or indulging in a quiet meal, this puff pastry roll will undoubtedly impress.
Make it once, and it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every flaky, cheesy, creamy bite—you’ve earned it!