Description
Flaky puff pastry wrapped around creamy Swiss cheese, smoky ham, and fresh asparagus, this savory Danish braid is the perfect blend of elegance and comfort for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry Sheet: 1 sheet (thawed) – Flaky, buttery exterior that holds the filling.
- Fresh Asparagus: 1 cup, trimmed and blanched – Adds freshness and a tender snap.
- Deli Ham: ¾ cup, chopped – Brings a smoky, savory element.
- Swiss Cheese: 1 cup, shredded – Creamy and nutty, melts beautifully.
- Cream Cheese: 4 oz, softened – Adds richness and helps bind the filling.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon – Adds a touch of sharpness.
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon – Enhances flavor subtly.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon – Balances the richness with spice.
- Egg: 1, beaten – For brushing the braid to achieve golden color.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, ham, and Swiss cheese in a bowl.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Roll out puff pastry on the baking sheet. Score into thirds and slice the outer sections diagonally for braiding.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread filling down the center third, top with asparagus, and braid pastry over the top.
- Cook to Perfection: Brush with egg and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Finishing Touches: Cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with salad, fruit, or a dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use thin asparagus spears for quicker cooking.
- Chilling the braid before baking improves flakiness.
- Make it vegetarian by skipping ham and adding mushrooms.