The puff pastry roses with zucchini and ham are a tasty, elegant, and surprisingly simple appetizer to prepare.
Who said that appearance doesn’t matter? Puff pastry roses are born from the desire to combine aesthetics and taste in a unique dish. And so, with few ingredients, you can create something that resembles the beauty of a freshly picked bouquet of roses, but with the irresistible flavor of homemade cuisine.
To prepare these delicious bites, you will need few and simple ingredients: puff pastry, the golden and crunchy heart of this recipe; thinly sliced zucchini, which add freshness and lightness; soft and tasty cooked ham, which gives a comforting note.
The puff pastry roses with zucchini and ham are extremely versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer for an elegant dinner, as finger food for a buffet, or even as a snack for an aperitif with friends. They are perfect to surprise your guests during parties or to make a simple family lunch special. Moreover, they are also ideal when cold: an invaluable advantage if you need to prepare them in advance.
This recipe combines simplicity, elegance, and practicality in one dish, making it suitable for any occasion. Moreover, it is a perfect solution for those looking for a quick but impressive appetizer.
So, what are you waiting for? Get to work and discover how easy it is to turn a few ingredients into something extraordinary.
Don’t miss these other tantalizing finger foods:
- Puff Pastry Baskets with Potatoes Mortadella and Scamorza: Gourmet Delight Rich in Flavor and Melting Heart, with Easy and Quick Preparation.
- Puff Pastry Bites with Salmon and Dill: Tantalizing and Scenic Finger Food to Serve as an Appetizer and More.
- Croissants with Zucchini and Provola: Flaky Pastry Bites with an Intriguing Flavor

- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 6 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Energy 297.29 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 21.28 (g) of which sugars 0.34 (g)
- Proteins 5.95 (g)
- Fat 21.07 (g) of which saturated 3.33 (g)of which unsaturated 16.66 (g)
- Fibers 0.78 (g)
- Sodium 346.77 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 64 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Puff Pastry Roses with Zucchini and Ham
- 1 roll puff pastry
- 1 zucchini
- 2.8 oz cooked ham
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pinch salt
Preparation of Puff Pastry Roses with Zucchini and Ham
Wash and trim the zucchini. Slice them lengthwise with a peeler to obtain thin slices. Lightly salt.
Roll out the puff pastry on the work surface and cut it into six strips.
Distribute the zucchini slices on top of the strips and add the cooked ham slices.
Roll up the six strips, securing the edges well, and place the obtained roses on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Now brush the zucchini and ham roses with a drizzle of olive oil and bake in a preheated ventilated oven at 392°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Remove the puff pastry roses from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Tips
– You can enrich this recipe by adding scamorza, provola, mozzarella, or spreadable cheese.
– For a variation, replace zucchini with eggplant slices.
– You can replace cooked ham with speck.
– This recipe makes six puff pastry roses, increase the quantities for more pieces.
Storage of Puff Pastry Roses with Zucchini
The puff pastry roses with zucchini and ham can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Related Recipes
Puff Pastry Bundles with Mushrooms and Scamorza
Puff Pastry Mini Pizzas with Tomato
Puff Pastry Rolls with Potatoes
FAQ
Can I prepare the puff pastry roses with zucchini and ham in advance?
Yes, they are perfect even when cold! You can prepare them in advance and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can also slightly reheat them in the oven before serving.
Can I substitute the cooked ham with another ingredient?
You can use raw ham, salami, speck, or a vegetarian version with cheese and grilled vegetables.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting too soggy?
Make sure to dry the zucchini well before using them. You can also brush a light layer of breadcrumbs on the puff pastry to absorb excess moisture.