Ham rolls

Ham and cream cheese rolls: a delicious and quick recipe for sophisticated appetizers

Who doesn't love a savory appetizer that impresses guests? Ham and cream cheese rolls are not only an excellent choice for any festive meal but also a simple and quick recipe that can be customized to your preferences. In this recipe, we will explore the necessary steps to create these delicious rolls, as well as some tricks and variations that will add a personal touch to your dish.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 (8 rolls)

Necessary ingredients

- 200 g cottage cheese (preferably fresh and of high quality)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (preferably homemade)
- A few sprigs of fresh dill
- 10 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g very thinly sliced ham
- 50 g roasted nuts (for decoration)
- 1 medium tomato (for decoration)
- 10-12 green or black olives (for decoration)
- A pinch of salt

Step by step

1. Preparing the cream cheese: Start by adding the cottage cheese to a blender. If you don't have a blender, you can mash it with a fork, but the result will be smoother if you use an electric appliance. Add the mayonnaise, soft butter, washed and finely chopped fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. Blend everything at medium speed until you obtain a smooth and creamy paste.

2. Preparing the nuts: To crush the nuts, place them in a clean towel and wrap them well. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a pot to gently crush them. These will add a crunchy texture to your rolls.

3. Preparing the tomatoes: Slice the tomato thinly, making sure to get even slices. These will be used both for decoration and for an extra freshness in the rolls.

4. Assembling the rolls: Take a slice of ham and spread a uniform layer of cream cheese over it. Make sure it is well covered but don't overdo it with the amount, so the roll doesn't unravel. Then, wrap the slice of ham around the cream and secure the roll with a toothpick.

5. Decorating: At the ends of the roll, add an olive, and place some tomato slices on each roll. Sprinkle the crushed nuts on top of the rolls for a more appealing look and a delicious aroma.

6. Serving: These rolls are best served immediately, but they can also be kept in the fridge for about 30 minutes, making them easier to cut. You can serve them alongside a yogurt dip or a fresh salad for a complete appetizer.

Chef's tip

For an even more refined taste, you can add a few drops of lemon juice or a bit of crushed garlic to the cream. Also, instead of ham, you can use boiled chicken breast or smoked salmon to completely change the flavor profile of the appetizer.

Variations

- Vegan rolls: Replace the cheese with an avocado or tofu spread and substitute the ham with slices of fried eggplant or zucchini.
- Additions: You can experiment with adding chopped olives or roasted peppers to the cream cheese for diverse flavors.
- Flavoring: Instead of dill, you can use fresh basil or oregano for a different aroma.

Nutritional benefits

These rolls are an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and ham, while the dill provides antioxidants and essential vitamins. Nuts add healthy fats, and tomatoes offer a good dose of vitamin C. However, it's best to consume these appetizers in moderation, as ham can be high in sodium.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use goat cheese or ricotta for a different taste.

How can I store the rolls? The rolls can be kept in the fridge, covered, for a maximum of 24 hours. It is recommended to consume them fresh to maintain the crunchy texture.

What other dishes can they be combined with? These rolls pair perfectly with a refreshing drink, such as a fruit cocktail or a glass of white wine. You can also serve them alongside a green salad or a savory tart for a perfect brunch.

Conclusion

Ham and cream cheese rolls are not only an excellent choice for parties or festive meals but also a simple and quick recipe that you can adapt to your tastes. With a little creativity and a few basic ingredients, you can impress anyone by transforming a classic appetizer into a memorable culinary experience. So, don't hesitate and start cooking these delicious rolls!

 Ingredients: 200 g cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, a few sprigs of dill, 10 g butter, very thinly sliced ham, roasted peanuts, 1 tomato, olives

 Tags:  ham rolls appetizers