Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Wreath - Day 22

With the holiday season approaching, there's no better time to indulge in some delicious homemade treats. A cheese and ham puff pastry wreath is an ideal choice for a festive gathering. This beautiful pastry ring not only looks impressive on the table but is also delightfully scrumptious, offering a perfect blend of flavours and textures. Whether you're hosting a party or simply want to enjoy a special meal with your family, this puff pastry wreath is sure to become a holiday favourite. The combination of buttery, flaky pastry with savoury ham and melted cheese is irresistible, and the wreath shape adds a festive touch to your spread.

Creating this dish might seem elaborate, but it's quite straightforward, especially with ready-made puff pastry. It’s an excellent way to showcase your culinary skills and delight your guests with a homemade treat that’s both visually appealing and mouthwateringly tasty.

To create your delicious cheese and ham puff pastry wreath, you'll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• Ready-made puff pastry sheet (approximately 500g)
• 150g sliced ham
• 150g grated cheese (Cheddar or Gruyère work well)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• A pinch of salt and pepper

For those who prefer alternatives:

• A vegetarian option could include roasted vegetables like red peppers or courgettes instead of ham.
• If Dijon mustard is unavailable, wholegrain mustard or a touch of horseradish sauce can serve as a substitute.

Make sure you have everything at hand before starting to streamline the preparation process.

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) before you start assembling your pastry wreath.
2. Lightly flour your work surface and unroll the ready-made puff pastry sheet. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the pastry to an even thickness of about 3mm. This ensures the pastry bakes evenly and achieves a beautifully flaky texture. Keep your pastry sheet chilled until you're ready to construct the wreath, as this helps maintain its structure during baking.

3. Next place slices of ham over the pastry till it's completely covers and then topped with your choice of cheese.
4. Roll the pastry from one long side to the other, creating a log. Seal the edges by pressing gently. Form the log into a circle on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Pinch the ends together to secure the wreath shape. Use a sharp knife to make slits around the circle, about 5cm apart, to allow steam to escape and create a decorative look.
5. If you have any spare pastry, why not cut out some festive shapes using cutters and place along the top of the wreath for that extra festive flare.

6. Once the wreath is shaped and filled, place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
7. Before baking, brush the top of the pastry with a beaten egg. This will give the wreath a beautiful golden hue. Ensure that the egg wash covers all exposed areas of the pastry to promote even browning.

8. Place the baking tray in the preheated oven on the middle shelf. Bake the wreath for 25-30 minutes, monitoring it closely as the end of the cooking time approaches. The pastry should be puffed up and a deep golden brown when it’s ready. If you notice that it’s browning too quickly, you can cover the wreath loosely with aluminium foil to prevent it from burning.

As the wreath bakes, the cheese inside should melt, and the ham should heat through, creating a delectable combination of flavours. The slits made earlier will help release steam and ensure the inside layers cook evenly.

9. After baking, remove the tray from the oven and let the wreath cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps the pastry maintain its crispness. Allowing it to rest for about 10 minutes before serving will make it easier to cut and serve.

By following these guidelines, you’ll achieve a golden, flaky, and irresistibly delicious cheese and ham puff pastry wreath, perfect for your festive celebrations.

For an extra festive flair, adorn the pastry wreath with fresh thyme or rosemary. Accompany the dish with an array of dips, such as cranberry sauce or a tangy mustard dip, to enhance the savoury notes. Pair the pastry with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, or a light sparkling wine to complement the rich flavours. To create a balanced platter, serve alongside a fresh, vibrant salad or a selection of seasonal vegetables. If you're aiming for a more substantial spread, consider offering it as part of a buffet with other festive favourites like roasted nuts, olives, and charcuterie. This way, guests can enjoy a variety of tastes and textures, making your gathering even more memorable.

Extra Festive Tips

Once you've mastered the basic steps, there are several ways to personalise your cheese and ham puff pastry wreath to suit your preferences. Here are some tips to elevate your creation:

• Filling Variations: Experiment with different fillings to add variety. Try incorporating caramelised onions, roasted garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavour. Spinach and feta can also make for a delicious alternative to ham and cheese.
• Cheese Choices: While Cheddar and Gruyère are classic choices, don't hesitate to try other cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, or even a blue cheese for a richer taste.
• Seasoning and Herbs: Enhance the filling with a sprinkle of fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano. A touch of chilli flakes can add a bit of heat for those who prefer a spicier twist.

• Presentation: Before serving, you can garnish the wreath with sprigs of fresh herbs or a light dusting of grated Parmesan to add a touch of elegance.
• Storage and Reheating: If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in cling film and store them in the fridge. Reheat the slices in an oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for about 10 minutes to bring back the crispiness without drying them out.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer a selection of dips such as honey mustard, cranberry relish, or a balsamic glaze to accompany the pastry and enhance its flavours.

By following these tips, you can customise the wreath to suit various tastes and preferences, ensuring it remains a crowd-pleaser at your festive gatherings. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful dish and the joy it brings to your table.

If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*