Puff pastry swirls with zucchini and ham

Name: Puff pastry swirls with zucchini and ham
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: Puff pastry (rectangular) 1 roll; Zucchini 2 ½ cups; Prosciutto cotto thinly sliced 3.5 oz; Scamorza (provola) cheese thinly sliced 3.5 oz; Sunflower seeds 1 tbsp; Extra virgin olive oil to taste; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Thyme to taste

it br de es fr

182

Calories per serving

Energy Kcal 182
Carbohydrates g 9.4
of which sugars g 0.7
Protein g 5.2
Fats g 13.8
of which saturated fat g 5.06
Fiber g 0.8
Cholesterol mg 17
Sodium mg 300

Difficulty: Very easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Makes: 12 pieces
Cost: Low
Note + the resting time in the refrigerator

PRESENTATION

Puff pastry swirls with zucchini and ham? They're kinda the secret weapon in Italian kitchens when you want something that's easy but feels super special. I mean, who does not love puff pastry swirls? Tender zucchini mixed with savory ham, all wrapped in flaky dough that bakes to this golden and crispy perfection. It's really, really good. A true nod to classic Italian flavors—zucchini for a fresh vibe, and the ham, oh, it adds just the right saltiness. Honestly, it keeps every bite interesting.

In northern Italy, folks whip up these zucchini and ham recipes for laid-back dinners or family get-togethers. Plus, they look so inviting on a tray. Somehow, there's never any left by the end of the night. Even people who say they're not big on zucchini? Yeah, they end up reaching for these. The flavors blend perfectly—moist pastry with a slightly sweet touch from the veggies.

Serving these puff pastry pinwheels? It makes any occasion feel a bit more festive. And here's the deal: true to Italian style, it's about sharing. Bite-sized snacks like these are perfect for grabbing, laughing, and enjoying with friends. They're part of the tradition of small, stuzzicanti (snack-y) foods that pair well with pre-dinner drinks. Not just the taste—it is the fun look, all swirled up and crispy at the edges. Italians love quick treats like this. Really do. They're easy to make but still feel homemade and welcoming.

As far as savory puff pastry appetizers go, these are favorites at parties or Sunday lunches. Pretty much keeps things light while letting everyone grab as much as they want. Each bite gives you that tangy ham, soft zucchini, and buttery pastry that flakes just right. Seriously good. These zucchini and ham pinwheels? They disappear as quickly as they're set out. That's the beauty of Italian gatherings—good food, good company, and dishes like these that keep it easy and delicious every time.

How to prepare Puff pastry swirls with zucchini and ham

To prepare the puff pastry swirls with zucchini and ham, start by washing and drying the zucchini. Trim the ends and then grate them using a large-hole grater 1. Heat a pan with a little olive oil and add the zucchini 2, season with salt, pepper, and thyme, and let them cook for 5 minutes over medium heat. They should be well-dried 3.

Let the zucchini cool completely, then unroll the puff pastry. Cover the surface with zucchini, leaving about 1/2 inch from the edges 4. Continue filling the puff pastry with slices of provolone 5 and finally the cooked ham 6.

Now carefully roll the filled puff pastry using the parchment paper, making sure not to roll it inside; roll it tightly 7. Once you have the roll 8, wrap it with the parchment paper 9

and seal the sides well 10. Transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to make it easier to cut the swirls. After the time has passed, cut about 3/4 inch swirls to obtain 12 equal pieces 11. Arrange them on a baking sheet with parchment paper 12

and decorate the surface with sunflower seeds 13. Well, you are ready for baking 14: bake the puff pastry swirls with zucchini and ham in a preheated static oven at 392°F for about 20-25 minutes 15.

Storage

Ideally, the puff pastry swirls with zucchini and cooked ham should be consumed right away to prevent them from losing their consistency, but if needed, they can be stored in the refrigerator and slightly reheated before serving.

You can also freeze them uncooked.

Advice

Feel free to replace the provolone with any melting cheese you prefer! If you like, you can also add sun-dried tomatoes inside the swirls, and the sunflower seeds can be substituted with any nuts you like.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.