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Crunchy Crescent Ham & Havarti Appetizers: A Crowd-Pleasing Delight

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When it comes to hosting a successful gathering, whether it’s a family get-together, a holiday party, or a fun game day event, one thing everyone looks forward to is delicious appetizers that are easy to make yet unforgettable in flavor. Crunchy Crescent Ham & Havarti Appetizers are just that—a perfect blend of simplicity and taste that is guaranteed to impress. These savory bites combine the flaky, buttery layers of crescent roll dough with the rich, creamy texture of Havarti cheese, complemented by savory ham, tangy mustard, and the subtle sweetness of pickle relish. The result? A delightful appetizer that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tubes (8 oz each) of store-bought crescent roll dough without perforations: Store-bought crescent dough is a kitchen shortcut that makes the recipe easy and quick. The dough is buttery, flaky, and puffs up beautifully during baking. It serves as the perfect vessel for all the fillings and toppings, creating a golden, crisp exterior. While some might consider making dough from scratch, using pre-made crescent roll dough saves time and ensures that the dish remains accessible to home cooks of all experience levels.
  • 3 ounces of ham slices: The ham in this recipe provides a savory base for the filling. Deli ham is the best option since it’s thinly sliced and easy to work with. The saltiness of the ham contrasts nicely with the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the pickle relish, creating a harmonious balance.
  • 1 ½ tablespoons of sweet pickle relish: The sweet pickle relish is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing a burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of the ham and cheese. It also adds a touch of sweetness that complements the tanginess of the mustard. You can experiment with different types of relish to adjust the sweetness or tartness to your liking.
  • 1 ½ tablespoons of deli-style mustard: The mustard adds a sharp and tangy element to the filling, which balances the sweetness of the pickle relish. It complements the other ingredients, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them. Deli-style mustard is a perfect choice due to its mild heat and depth of flavor.
  • 6 slices of Havarti cheese: This semi-soft, creamy cheese is an excellent choice for this dish because it melts beautifully, creating a gooey, delicious filling. Havarti has a mild, buttery flavor with a subtle tang, making it perfect for pairing with ham and other savory ingredients. If you’re unable to find Havarti, Swiss cheese or Gouda are excellent alternatives, providing similar meltability and flavor.
  • 1 egg, beaten: The egg wash is a simple mixture of beaten egg and water that gets brushed on the dough before baking. It creates a glossy, golden finish on the crust, adding an appealing sheen and a slightly crisp texture to the final dish.
  • 1 tablespoon of water: This is mixed with the egg to create the egg wash. It helps the egg spread evenly over the dough, giving it that beautiful golden sheen.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons of poppy seeds: These toppings add both texture and flavor to the finished dish. The poppy seeds provide a subtle crunch and a slightly nutty flavor, which enhances the overall taste.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons of dehydrated onions: Dehydrated onions offer a savory, aromatic kick to the appetizer. They give the dish an extra layer of flavor and a crunchy texture on top of the golden crust.
  • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour: A small amount of flour is used to lightly dust the surface when rolling out the dough. This prevents the dough from sticking to the surface and ensures smooth, even layers.

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is essential for achieving the desired crispness in the dough. Make sure to position the oven rack in the center to allow for even baking.
  • Prepare the Dough: Unroll one tube of crescent dough onto a non-stick baking sheet. Flatten it with your hands or a rolling pin to form an even rectangle. Try to smooth out any creases to ensure the dough cooks evenly.
  • Layer the Ham: Place the ham slices evenly over the dough, leaving a ¼-inch border around the edges. This will help prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. Make sure the ham is distributed evenly across the dough for consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Add the Relish and Mustard: Spread the sweet pickle relish evenly over the ham. You don’t need too much—just enough to add flavor without making the dough soggy. Next, drizzle the deli-style mustard over the relish. Again, use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
  • Top with Cheese: Lay the Havarti cheese slices evenly on top of the relish and mustard. Make sure the cheese is spread across the entire surface for a gooey, cheesy filling in every bite.
  • Roll Out the Top Layer: Unroll the second tube of crescent dough and flatten it on a lightly floured surface until it matches the size of the first dough layer. Carefully lift and place the second layer on top of the filled dough.
  • Seal the Edges: Use a fork to press down on the edges of the dough to seal the filling inside. Be sure to press firmly but gently to avoid tearing the dough. This step is crucial for ensuring that the filling stays intact during baking.
  • Cut Steam Holes: Using a paring knife, cut three small steam holes in the top layer of dough. These holes will allow the steam to escape and prevent the dough from becoming soggy. They also add a touch of rustic charm to the final dish.
  • Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Use a pastry brush to gently coat the top layer of dough with the egg wash. This will give the finished appetizers a golden, glossy finish.
  • Sprinkle with Toppings: Sprinkle the top of the dough with poppy seeds and dehydrated onions. These toppings will not only enhance the flavor but also provide a beautiful, crunchy texture on top of the golden crust.
  • Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on the dough towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-browning.
  • Cool and Slice: Once the appetizers are golden and crisp, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into squares or rectangles. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh, high-quality ham and cheese. The flavor difference is noticeable and will elevate the overall taste of the dish.
  • Customize the Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings. You can swap the ham for turkey, roast beef, or even chicken. For a vegetarian version, use sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead of meat.
  • Make Ahead: These appetizers can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. This is especially useful when you’re hosting a party and want to minimize last-minute prep.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve these appetizers alongside a dipping sauce like mustard, ranch, or honey mustard. They also pair well with a crisp salad or vegetable platter for a well-rounded meal.

Find it online: https://paularecipes.com/crunchy-crescent-ham-havarti-appetizers-a-crowd-pleasing-delight/