Savory Speck and Cheese Swirls

Savory speck and cheese swirls are a delicious and simple to prepare appetizer, perfect for a drink or a buffet.

Ingredients

• 1 roll of rectangular puff pastry
• 100 g of thin slices of speck
• 100 g of soft spreadable cheese (like stracchino or cream cheese)
• 50 g of Parmesan or grated Parmigiano
• As needed chopped chives (optional)
• 1 egg (for brushing)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a work surface and evenly spread the cream cheese all over it.
3. Add the grated Parmesan over the spreadable cheese and sprinkle with chopped chives if you decide to use them. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Lay out the speck over the cheese so that it covers the entire surface.
5. Start rolling up the puff pastry from the long side, making sure to make the roll tight.
6. Once a tight roll is obtained, wrap it in cling film and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes; this step will make slicing the swirls easier.
7. Remove the cling film and cut the roll into slices about 2 cm thick.
8. Place the swirls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each.
9. Beat the egg and gently brush the surface of the swirls.
10. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the swirls are golden and crispy.
11. Let the swirls cool down slightly before serving.

Curiosity

The savory swirls are a versatile idea that lends itself to many variations: you can experiment with different types of cold cuts and cheeses, or add finely chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for a touch of freshness. In Italy, it’s common to find variants of this snack with cooked or raw ham and a generous dusting of Parmesan. Experiment and find your favorite combination!