These puff pastry spirals are my go-to appetizer for company. I serve them right out of the oven when the cheese is still a little gooey, and the puff pastry melts in your mouth. They’re super easy, and you can fill them with whatever you have on hand. The ones below are made with Manchego, which is a hard, Spanish goat’s cheese, and Serrano ham. However, I have made them with gruyere and prosciutto, parmesan and prosciutto, bacon and cheddar, sundried tomatoes and fontina, the combinations are really endless. If you want them to look super elegant, you can make Palmiers instead of spirals, the concept is pretty well the same. These are great with Prosecco, white wine, red wine, or a rosé. So the next time you’re rushed to put an elegant appetizer together for company, give these a try. I’d love to know what unique fillings you come up with. Enjoy with good friends and wine.

Timing

10 minutes of prep, 12-15 minutes in the oven. Serves 4.

Ingredients

• Puff Pastry (I use President’s Choice as it’s already rolled out for you)
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 4-5 slices Serrano Ham
• ½ cup grated Manchego Cheese

Instructions

Defrost puff pastry, but make sure it’s chilled. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lay puff pastry out with the long side facing you. Sprinkle with smoked paprika and shredded cheese, leaving a ½” border around the edges. Cover cheese with slices of Serrano ham. Starting from the long edge farthest from you, tightly roll the puff pastry toward you. Press the seams of the pastry into the roll. If you find that it’s not sticking, use a little egg wash on the seams to make them stick. Alternatively, you can make Palmiers.

Refrigerate the roll for 5 minutes. Take the roll out of the fridge and place it on a lightly floured surface. Cut the roll into 1/2″ disks and lay the spirals on a silpat-lined baking sheet. Bake in oven till crisped and golden, about 12 to 15 minutes. Take out of the oven and move to a serving platter. Serve immediately.