Save This cherry-glazed ham and cheese roll-up recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant appetizer that's perfect for entertaining. The combination of savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and buttery puff pastry gets elevated with a sweet-tart cherry glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.
I first made these roll-ups for a holiday gathering when I needed something impressive but easy. The cherry glaze was a last minute inspiration using preserves from my pantry, and they disappeared so quickly that I now make a double batch every time.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheet: thawed properly ensures flaky layers and easier handling. Look for all butter varieties for the best flavor
- Deli ham: sliced medium thickness provides structure and savory flavor. Choose a quality ham with minimal processing
- Swiss cheese: adds the perfect melt and nutty flavor that complements the ham beautifully
- Egg: creates that gorgeous golden brown exterior when brushed on the pastry
- Cherry preserves: form the base of our glaze. Select preserves with visible fruit pieces for texture
- Dijon mustard: balances the sweetness with a gentle kick. Always use fresh Dijon for best flavor
- Apple cider vinegar: adds brightness and cuts through richness. Use raw unfiltered for more depth
- Honey: enhances the glaze with natural sweetness and helps achieve the perfect consistency
- Salt: just a pinch amplifies all the other flavors in the glaze
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Preheat your oven to exactly 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The high temperature is crucial for properly puffing the pastry. Make sure your puff pastry has thawed for about 40 minutes at room temperature until pliable but still cool.
- Prepare The Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface roll out the puff pastry gently to smooth any seams and create an even thickness. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to divide the sheet into 8 equal rectangles. Work quickly as puff pastry becomes difficult to handle when too warm.
- Assemble The Roll Ups:
- Place one slice of ham on each pastry rectangle folding it if necessary to fit while leaving a small border around the edges. Top with one slice of Swiss cheese trimmed to fit if needed. The cheese acts as a barrier preventing the pastry from getting soggy.
- Roll And Seal:
- Starting from the short end roll each rectangle tightly tucking in any filling that tries to escape. Place each roll up seam side down on your prepared baking sheet spacing them at least 2 inches apart to allow for expansion during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash:
- Beat the egg until completely smooth and use a pastry brush to apply a thin even coat to the tops and sides of each roll up. This creates that beautiful golden color and helps seal the edges. Avoid letting egg pool around the bottom of the pastries.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Place the roll ups in the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Look for a deep golden brown color and significant puffing of the pastry. The filling should be bubbling slightly at the ends.
- Prepare The Cherry Glaze:
- While the roll ups bake combine cherry preserves Dijon mustard apple cider vinegar honey and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium low stirring constantly with a silicone spatula to prevent burning. Cook until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Glaze And Serve:
- Remove the roll ups from the oven and immediately brush them generously with the warm cherry glaze. The heat from the pastries will help the glaze set beautifully. Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm with any remaining glaze on the side for dipping.
Save The cherry glaze is truly what makes these roll ups special. I discovered this combination after experimenting with different preserves in my pantry one evening when hosting unexpected guests. The sweet tart flavor against the savory ham creates such a wonderful balance that my family now requests these for every gathering.
Make Ahead Tips
These roll ups are perfect for preparing in advance which makes them ideal for entertaining. You can assemble them completely up to the baking stage then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve simply apply the egg wash and bake directly from the refrigerator adding 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time. The glaze can also be made ahead and gently rewarmed before brushing onto the baked pastries.
Creative Variations
While the classic ham and Swiss combination is delicious these roll ups are incredibly versatile. Try turkey and cheddar for a different flavor profile or prosciutto and gruyère for a more gourmet approach. Vegetarian guests will appreciate a version with roasted red peppers and provolone. You can also experiment with the glaze using apricot raspberry or fig preserves instead of cherry. Each variation creates a completely different flavor experience while maintaining the same elegant presentation.
Serving Suggestions
These cherry glazed roll ups work beautifully as part of a larger appetizer spread. They pair especially well with lighter options like fresh crudités or a simple green salad to balance their richness. For a casual gathering arrange them on a wooden board alongside some cornichons whole grain mustard and fresh fruit. If serving as a light lunch add a cup of tomato soup on the side for a satisfying meal. The roll ups are best enjoyed warm but are still delicious at room temperature making them perfect for buffet style serving.
Storage And Reheating
Leftover roll ups will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The best way to reheat them is in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave as it will make the pastry soggy instead of crisp. Store any leftover glaze separately in the refrigerator and warm gently before using. For longer storage you can freeze the unbaked assembled roll ups for up to one month wrapped individually in plastic wrap then foil.
Save These roll ups are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors perfect for any occasion. Enjoy creating and sharing this elegant appetizer.