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Crispy Diploma-Shaped Puff Pastry Appetizer Rolls

diploma-shaped puff pastry appetizer rolls - featured image

These crispy diploma-shaped puff pastry appetizer rolls are quick and easy to make, perfect for parties and celebrations. They feature flaky, buttery layers with a savory cheese and meat filling, shaped to resemble diplomas for a fun and festive touch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese or mozzarella
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup cooked ham or turkey, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
  • Optional: pinch of dried thyme or rosemary
  • Optional: sautéed mushrooms as a vegetarian alternative

Instructions

  1. Prep the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped ham or turkey, and green onions. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well incorporated.
  2. Prepare the puff pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll out each puff pastry sheet to smooth creases and slightly enlarge the sheet (about 12 x 12 inches). Keep dough cool but pliable.
  3. Cut and shape the diplomas: Cut each sheet into 3-inch wide strips. Spread a thin layer of filling evenly over each strip, leaving a small border. Roll each strip tightly into a log. Slice each log into 2-inch pieces.
  4. Create the diploma design: Gently press the ends of each roll to mimic tied edges of a diploma. Score shallow lines across the top to suggest rolled paper texture.
  5. Apply egg wash: Place rolls on a lined baking sheet spaced about 1 inch apart. Brush tops with beaten egg wash.
  6. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake rolls for 15-18 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Check after 12 minutes to prevent overbrowning.
  7. Cool and serve: Let rolls cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving platter.

Notes

Keep dough and filling cold to maintain flaky layers. Avoid overfilling to prevent sogginess. Score pastry shallowly for diploma effect without cutting through. Refrigerate assembled rolls for 10 minutes before baking if kitchen is warm. Rolls can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. Freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer to freezer bag; bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: puff pastry, appetizer, party snack, diploma shaped, cheesy rolls, savory bites, easy recipe, graduation party