Savory Puff Pastry with Ham, Cheese, and Béchamel Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Puff Pastry:

• • 500g puff pastry
  • 50g mustard

• • 200g ham, thinly sliced
  • 200g cheese, grated or thinly sliced (cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss)
  • 1 egg, for egg wash

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• • 30g butter
  • 25g flour
  • 300ml milk

• • 4g nutmeg
  • 5g black pepper
  • 10g salt

• 30g grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish:

• 40g pickled cucumbers, finely chopped

Directions:

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

1. 1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).

1. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the 500g puff pastry to your desired thickness. You can make it thinner for a lighter texture or thicker for a heartier bite.
2. Spread Mustard: Evenly spread 50g mustard over the puff pastry using a spatula or the back of a spoon.

2. Add the Fillings:

1. 1. Layer Ham and Cheese: Arrange 200g ham evenly over the mustard-covered pastry. Then sprinkle or layer 200g cheese on top of the ham.

3. Fold and Seal:

1. Shape the Pastry: Fold the puff pastry over the filling to create a sealed pocket or roll, depending on your preferred shape.
2. Egg Wash: Beat 1 egg and brush it over the top of the pastry to give it a glossy, golden finish when baked.

4. Bake the Puff Pastry:

1. 1. Bake: Place the prepared pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.

5. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

1. 1. Make a Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt 30g butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 25g flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes until a smooth paste forms.
   2. Add Milk: Gradually pour in 300ml milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook, whisking often, until the sauce thickens to your liking.
   3. Season the Sauce: Stir in 4g nutmeg, 5g black pepper, 10g salt, and 30g grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

6. Finish and Serve:

1. 1. Cool and Serve: Once the puff pastry is golden brown, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack.
   2. Serve with Béchamel: Serve the warm puff pastry with the béchamel sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
   3. Garnish: Sprinkle finely chopped pickled cucumbers over the top for a burst of tangy flavor and extra texture.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 15g
  • Fat: 22g

• • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 3g

• Sodium: 600mg