Appetizer roll with cream cheese

Appetizer roll with cream cheese

Who doesn’t love a savory appetizer that impresses? The roll with cream cheese and mortadella is a perfect choice for any occasion, from an elegant dinner to a party with friends. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make. Plus, its soft base and creamy filling make it irresistible. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the base:
- 140 g butter (preferably with 80% fat for a richer taste)
- 120 g flour
- 300 ml milk (whole milk will provide a creamier texture)
- 4 large eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- salt, pepper, and nutmeg (to taste)

For the filling:
- 250 g ricotta (a fresh cheese with a fine texture)
- 150 g cream cheese (make sure it is at room temperature for easy mixing)
- salt, vegeta (or other preferred spices)
- 150 g mortadella (thin slices for a savory taste)

A short story

Appetizer rolls have a rich history, being an ingenious way to combine different ingredients into a single dish. They are often served at festive occasions or holiday meals, but they have also become popular at informal parties. Rolling the bases with filling allows not only for an elegant presentation but also a variety of flavors, making them extremely versatile.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the base:
Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Make sure it doesn’t burn, just becomes liquid. Then, add the flour and mix well with a spatula until the mixture becomes homogeneous and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. This is a crucial step for achieving a good texture.

2. Adding the milk:
Gradually pour the milk into the saucepan, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens and becomes creamy. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

3. Incorporating the eggs:
Let the mixture cool slightly, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing vigorously after each addition. It’s important that the eggs are at room temperature to incorporate well.

4. Baking the base:
Prepare a baking tray (approximately 30x40 cm) lined with parchment paper. Pour the base mixture into the tray and level it with a spatula. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the base is golden and firm to the touch.

5. Cooling the base:
After baking, invert the base onto a sheet of parchment paper sprinkled with flour. Roll it up using the paper and let it cool completely. This step is essential to avoid breaking the roll when filling it.

6. Preparing the filling:
In a large bowl, mix the ricotta well with the cream cheese until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and, if desired, a dash of vegeta to enhance the flavors.

7. Filling and rolling:
Once the base has cooled, spread the cheese mixture evenly over its entire surface. Place the slices of mortadella on the filling, covering the entire area. Carefully roll the base, using the parchment paper to help you achieve a tight roll. Make sure you leave one end of the roll a bit looser to facilitate closing.

8. Serving:
After rolling the appetizer, wrap it in cling film and refrigerate for at least an hour. This step will help firm up the roll and make slicing easier. When you’re ready to serve, cut the roll into equal slices and arrange them on a platter. You can decorate with fresh basil leaves or olives for an even more appealing look.

Useful tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese or meat. For example, you can use goat cheese instead of ricotta or prosciutto instead of mortadella for a different taste.
- Serving: This appetizer roll pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing gin and tonic cocktail.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, you can keep the roll in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. You can enjoy it cold or reheat it slightly in the oven.

Estimated nutritional values (per serving)

- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 8 g

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! This appetizer roll with cream cheese and mortadella is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to impress your guests. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a quiet evening at home, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!

 Ingredients: Base: 140 g butter, 120 g flour, 300 g milk, 4 eggs, salt, pepper, nutmeg. Filling: 250 g ricotta, 150 g cream cheese, salt, seasoning, 150 g sliced mortadella.

 Tags:  appetizer roll