Ham-Swiss or Salami-Cheddar Wedges Recipe
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 16 appetizer servings
Description:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Ham-Swiss or Salami-Cheddar Wedges, a crowd-pleaser that stole the show at a holiday appetizer party, leaving everyone craving for more. The irresistible combination of savory ham and Swiss cheese in a flaky pastry crust is a classic, while the alternative salami-cheddar filling adds a tantalizing twist. Best enjoyed warm, these wedges are perfect for any gathering or as a savory snack for cozy evenings at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup small curd cottage cheese
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 egg (separated)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 141.2
- Fat: 8.9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.3g
- Cholesterol: 40.3mg
- Sodium: 221.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Protein: 6.3g
Instructions:
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Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it reaches the optimal temperature for baking these delicious wedges to perfection.
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Prepare the pastry: In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Pulse the mixture until it forms a crumbly texture, or if you prefer, you can use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour until evenly blended.
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Add cottage cheese: Incorporate 1/2 cup of small curd cottage cheese into the flour-butter mixture. Process the ingredients in the food processor or stir manually until a moist dough ball forms.
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Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions and refrigerate them while you prepare the filling. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to work with later.
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Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, shredded Swiss cheese, diced celery, chopped green onion, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, nutmeg, and ground black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a flavorful filling for your wedges.
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Roll out the pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to form an 11 or 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the pastry round onto a greased baking sheet, ensuring it fits snugly.
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Add the filling: Spoon the prepared filling onto the center of the pastry round, spreading it evenly while leaving about 1 inch of space along the edges. This margin will be used to seal the wedges later.
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Brush with egg white: Lightly beat the egg white and brush it over the outer edges of the pastry round. This acts as a sealant, helping the top layer of pastry adhere securely to the bottom layer.
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Top with second pastry round: Roll out the remaining portion of dough to the same size as the first round. Carefully place it over the filling, aligning the edges with the bottom pastry round.
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Seal and crimp: Press the edges of the pastry rounds together firmly to seal the wedges. You can use a fork to crimp the edges or create decorative flutes for an elegant finish.
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Optional: Prepare in advance: At this stage, you can prepare the wedges ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Simply cover them with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
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Brush with egg yolk: Just before baking, lightly beat the reserved egg yolk and brush it over the top and edges of the pastry. This gives the wedges a golden brown sheen as they bake, enhancing their visual appeal.
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Bake to perfection: Place the assembled wedges in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown hue. The tantalizing aroma wafting from the oven will signal that they are ready to be enjoyed.
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Serve with flair: Once baked, carefully loosen the wedges from the baking sheet using a metal spatula and transfer them onto a serving plate. Slice them into slim wedges and serve hot or warm, allowing guests to savor every delicious bite.
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Variation: For a flavorful twist, you can prepare a Salami-Cheddar filling by substituting chopped salami and shredded cheddar cheese for the ham and Swiss, respectively. Increase the amount of green onion to 1/2 cup for added zest.
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Enjoy! Indulge in the irresistible flavors of these Ham-Swiss or Salami-Cheddar Wedges, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself to a savory snack. With their golden flaky crust and delectable filling, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.
Note: These wedges are best served warm, so be sure to enjoy them fresh from the oven for maximum flavor and enjoyment!
