Brazilian
👍 Beginner Friendly
40 mineasy
BrazilianSnack
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsEnroladinho de Presunto is a beloved Brazilian party favorite that exemplifies simplicity and elegance. These spiral-shaped appetizers combine thinly sliced ham with a luscious cream cheese mixture enhanced with herbs and spices. Popular at celebrations throughout Brazil, from casual family gatherings to upscale cocktail parties, these rolls represent the Brazilian tradition of creating impressive dishes from humble ingredients. The cream cheese filling is often customized with regional touches - some add olives or corn, while others incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. The beauty of enroladinhos lies in their versatility and make-ahead convenience. They can be prepared hours in advance and refrigerated until serving time, making them ideal for busy hosts. The combination of salty ham and rich, tangy cream cheese creates a perfect flavor balance that appeals to all ages. Served chilled and sliced into pinwheels, these rolls showcase the Brazilian knack for transforming simple ingredients into crowd-pleasing delicacies.
Instructions
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a rubber spatula to blend until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Add minced garlic, chopped parsley, black pepper, paprika, and a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is uniform in color.
Taste the filling and adjust seasonings as needed. The mixture should be spreadable but not runny. If too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk and stir.
Lay out ham slices on a clean cutting board, slightly overlapping them to create a rectangular sheet approximately 10x12 inches. Pat dry with paper towels if slices are moist.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the ham layer using a rubber spatula, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge. The layer should be about 1/4 inch thick.
Starting from the edge opposite the border, carefully roll the ham sheet tightly into a log, using the cutting board to help maintain even pressure. The bare edge will seal the roll.
Wrap the completed roll tightly in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours to firm up.
When ready to serve, unwrap the roll and place on a cutting board. Using a sharp chef knife, slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.
Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until guests arrive.
Enroladinho de Presunto - Ham and Cream Cheese Rolls
3.9 (30)
Delicate Brazilian appetizers featuring thin slices of ham wrapped around a creamy, seasoned cheese filling. These elegant bite-sized rolls are perfect for any gathering and take just minutes to prepare.
easy
20 min
24 servings
Ingredients
0 of 9 checked
Main
- 450 grams Ham, thinly sliced
Filling
- 16 tablespoons Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4 tablespoons Sour Cream
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
Seasonings
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons Parsley, fresh, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoons Black Pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoons Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoons Salt (optional)
Chef Tips
expert advice•For the smoothest filling, ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing.
•Cold cream cheese will be lumpy and difficult to spread.
•If you forgot to soften it, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
•The rolls can be made up to 2 days in advance - just keep them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
•This prevents squishing.
•If the filling oozes out while rolling, you have spread it too thickly - scrape some off and try again.
•These rolls pair beautifully with Brazilian caipirinha cocktails or cold beer.
•To make them look extra festive, sprinkle the sliced rolls with finely chopped fresh herbs or paprika before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
make it your own•To create variation, try adding finely chopped green olives, drained corn kernels, or diced red bell peppers to the filling.
•For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
•For easier slicing, use dental floss instead of a knife: slide it under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight.
•For a more substantial appetizer, use turkey breast slices instead of ham.
Storage & Reheating
keeping it freshStorage
Store prepared rolls tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Once sliced, arrange pinwheels in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Consume sliced rolls within 24 hours for best texture and flavor. Do not freeze as the cream cheese filling will separate and become watery upon thawing.
Reheating
These rolls are best served cold and do not require reheating. Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off if desired. Never microwave or heat as this will cause the filling to melt and separate.
