Puff Pastry with Ham, Cheese, and Béchamel Sauce Recipe: A Savory Delight

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add Flour: Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes until you form a roux (a smooth paste). This helps cook off the raw flour taste.
3. Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
4. Season: Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using) to taste. Once the béchamel sauce has thickened, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Assemble the Puff Pastry

1. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a large rectangle. If using store-bought, ensure it’s fully thawed.
2. Spread the Béchamel Sauce: Evenly spread a thin layer of the béchamel sauce over the puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Add the Ham and Cheese: Place slices of ham on top of the sauce, followed by the cheese slices, as shown in the first image. Ensure the ham and cheese cover most of the puff pastry but don’t overlap too much.

Step 3: Roll and Cut

1. Roll Up the Pastry: Starting from one edge, carefully roll the puff pastry into a log, as if you were making cinnamon rolls. Make sure the roll is tight but not too tight to tear the pastry.
2. Slice into Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled pastry into 1-inch slices to create your pinwheels. Each slice should showcase the swirl of ham and cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Pastry

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Brush with Egg Wash: Place the puff pastry pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.
3. Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes or until the puff pastry turns golden brown and crispy.
4. Cool Slightly: Once baked, allow the pinwheels to cool slightly before serving.

Step 5: Serve with Dipping Sauce (Optional)

For an extra touch, you can serve these delicious puff pastry pinwheels with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as honey mustard or a simple marinara.

Tips for the Perfect Puff Pastry with Ham, Cheese, and Béchamel Sauce

1. Thaw the Puff Pastry Properly: If using store-bought puff pastry, make sure to thaw it completely before working with it. This prevents it from cracking or tearing when rolling.
2. Don’t Overstuff: Avoid overfilling the pastry with too much ham or cheese, as this can cause the filling to leak out during baking. A balance of ingredients ensures a nice even cook.
3. Make Ahead: You can assemble the puff pastry rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours or freeze them for later use. Simply bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
   1. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to switch up the cheese or add a touch of mustard or herbs to the béchamel sauce for more flavor. Smoked ham or prosciutto can also be used for a more gourmet twist.