Stuffed Bread Snails with Ham and Fontina
Category: Appetizers
Serves: 12
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 150 ml |
| All-purpose flour | 250 g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Malt | 1 teaspoon |
| Fine salt | 5 g |
| Active dry yeast | 3 g |
| Cooked ham (cubed) | 120 g |
| Fontina cheese (sliced) | 90 g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Whole milk | 1 tablespoon |
| Poppy seeds | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough
Begin by preparing the bread dough. In a large bowl, sift the all-purpose flour. In a separate bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in lukewarm water. Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the sifted flour, then add the olive oil. Mix everything together with your hands, then transfer the dough onto a floured surface. -
Knead and Roll the Dough
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Roll the dough out into a rectangular shape, measuring roughly 25×35 cm. -
Brush with Egg Mixture
Beat the egg with a tablespoon of milk and brush this mixture over the surface of the dough. -
Stuff the Dough
Now, it’s time to assemble the filling. Lay slices of Fontina cheese on the dough, leaving about a 2 cm border around the edges to facilitate rolling. Next, distribute the cubed ham evenly over the cheese slices. -
Roll and Shape
Carefully roll the dough along the longer side into a tight log. Once rolled up, slice the dough into 12 individual rolls, or “snails.” -
Let the Rolls Rise
Place the snails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow them to rise for at least 1 hour in a turned-off oven with the light on to create a warm, draft-free environment. -
Final Touches
Once the snails have risen, brush the tops with the remaining egg and milk mixture, then sprinkle poppy seeds over the top for a delicate crunch and visual appeal. -
Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the snails for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and puffed up.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed bread snails make a perfect appetizer for any occasion. Serve them warm, fresh from the oven, for a delightful, savory treat. Enjoy the combination of melted Fontina cheese and savory ham wrapped in soft, aromatic bread.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Value (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
These bread snails are irresistibly tasty and are perfect for gatherings or as a snack. The combination of gooey Fontina cheese, savory ham, and soft, fluffy bread makes each bite a delicious experience.
