Description
Crispy Monte Cristo Roll-Ups are a high-protein, crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines flaky puff pastry with savory ham, Gruyère, and Brie cheese, finished with a sweet apricot jam glaze. Perfect for parties, these roll-ups offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a shattering crisp texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed but cold
- High-quality thick-cut deli ham (honey-glazed recommended)
- 1 block Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/2 wheel Brie cheese, rind removed
- Whole grain mustard or Dijon mustard
- Apricot jam or fig jam
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water and a pinch of salt (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and gently roll out to smooth wrinkles. If pastry warms up, chill for 10 minutes.
- Spread a thin layer of whole grain mustard over one pastry sheet, leaving a half-inch border.
- Sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the mustard, then place thin slices of Brie on top.
- Lay deli ham slices over the cheese, overlapping slightly to prevent gaps.
- Dot the ham with small teaspoons of apricot jam, distributing evenly.
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Pinch the seam and ends closed.
- Transfer log to prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Repeat with second sheet.
- Slice each log into 8-10 equal pieces using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Place cut-side up.
- Brush tops generously with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving warm with extra jam for dipping.
Notes
Keep pastry cold to ensure flaky layers. Use a sharp knife to slice without crushing dough. If oven runs hot, check at 14 minutes. Can be frozen unbaked and baked from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cook time. Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 roll-ups per ser
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
Keywords: Monte Cristo, puff pastry, party snack, appetizer, ham and cheese, holiday appetizer, easy recipes, finger food