Super Cheesy & Soft Potato Pastry Roll

This dish consists of mashed potatoes wrapped in puff pastry, with molten cheese and ham in every bite. This Potato Pastry Roll is comfort food dressed up for a party. It’s soft, ridiculously cheesy, and has the satisfying crunch of golden pastry.

It is suitable for breakfast, a light meal, a cozy lunch with a salad, or a shareable snack for movie night. The recipe requires minimal preparation and relies on basic pantry staples, making it practical for everyday cooking.

What is Potato Pastry Roll?

The Potato Pastry Roll is a filled roll made by spreading a seasoned mashed potato mixture over puff pastry, layering with cheese and ham, then rolling, sealing, and baking. It borrows elements from stuffed breads and savory strudels but swaps heavy dough for delicate puff pastry and makes potatoes the star filling.

It’s inspired by European pastries, such as Italian stromboli and Eastern European potato-filled breads. The Parmesan in the mash helps keep the potato mixture slightly drier and more flavorful, so it won’t make the pastry soggy.

Pro Tips for the Best Potato Pastry Roll

• After boiling, drain the potatoes and let them steam off or return to the warm pot for a minute to evaporate excess moisture. This keeps the filling from watering down the puff pastry.
• Mash the potatoes while warm. Warm potatoes incorporate the Parmesan and egg more smoothly, giving a silkier filling.
• Season boldly, as potatoes need more seasoning than you think. So, taste the mash before assembling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent a soggy bottom?

Make sure potatoes are well drained and slightly drier, and brush the pastry with a thin layer of egg or melted butter before adding filling. Then, bake on a preheated tray or baking stone to crisp the base.

Can I prepare this ahead?

Assemble the roll, wrap tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze raw. Bake straight from chilled or frozen, and increase bake time if frozen.

What cheese is best for melt and flavor?

A combination is lovely, a melting cheese, like mozzarella, young Gouda, fontina for stretch, plus a flavorful hard cheese, like Parmesan, already in the mash for bite.

How to Store Potato Pastry Roll

It is not recommended that you store it at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. So, store cooled leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use the oven and not the microwave to maintain pastry crispness. If reheating slices, place on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil for the first 5-7 minutes if you want to prevent over-browning.

How to Make the Potato Pastry Roll

Step 1

Step 1

Peel the potatoes and cut them into small, even pieces. Place in a pot, cover with water, and boil for 30 minutes, and drain.

Peel the potatoes and cut them into small, even pieces. Place in a pot, cover with water, and boil for 30 minutes, and drain.

Step 2

Step 2

Unroll the puff pastry onto a lightly floured cutting board and spread the potato mixture in an even layer over the pastry.

Transfer the hot potatoes to a bowl and mash until smooth. Then, mix in egg, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper.

Step 3

Step 3

Place the cooked ham slices on top of the cheese, roll the pastry tightly, and press the edge firmly to seal. That is, pinch the seam and tuck the ends under to form a neat log.

Unroll the puff pastry onto a lightly floured cutting board and spread the potato mixture in an even layer over the pastry.

Step 4

Step 4

Place the roll seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow diagonal slashes on top of the pastry, and brush with egg wash.

Arrange cheese slices over the potatoes.

Step 5

Step 5

Slide the tray into a preheated oven at 180°C/360°F and bake for 35 minutes.

Place the cooked ham slices on top of the cheese, roll the pastry tightly, and press the edge firmly to seal. That is, pinch the seam and tuck the ends under to form a neat log.

Step 6

Step 6

Place the roll seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow diagonal slashes on top of the pastry, and brush with egg wash.

Step 7

Step 7

Slide the tray into a preheated oven at 180°C/360°F and bake for 35 minutes.