Savory Ham and Cheese Crescents (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the pastry dough
01 -
1¼ cups (150g) all-purpose flour or spelt flour
02 -
7 tablespoons (100g) unsalted butter, softened
03 -
1/2 cup (100g) full-fat cream cheese
04 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
→ For the filling
05 -
1/2 cup (50g) medium-aged Gouda cheese, grated
06 -
4 slices round cooked ham
→ For the glaze
07 -
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
# Instructions:
01 -
In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, softened butter, flour, and salt. Mix and knead until you have a smooth, pliable dough (you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or do this by hand). Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
02 -
Grate the Gouda cheese and set aside. Take each round slice of ham and cut it into 7 equal triangular pieces (like slicing a pizza). You'll have 28 small ham triangles total.
03 -
Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C) with fan. Divide the chilled dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each half into a circle about 10 inches (26cm) in diameter. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut each circle into 14 equal triangular wedges, like you're cutting a pizza.
04 -
Place a small triangle of ham on each dough triangle, then sprinkle with a little grated cheese. Starting from the wide end, roll up each triangle toward the point to form a crescent shape. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, slightly curving the ends inward. Brush the tops with beaten egg yolk.
05 -
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until the crescents are golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. These can be served warm or at room temperature.
# Notes:
01 -
The dough needs to chill for at least 2 hours to firm up, but overnight works even better.
02 -
These savory crescents can be prepared ahead of time and are perfect for parties.