Horn - The Classic Danish Croissants Filled with Ham and Cheese
If you're a fan of croissants, you'll love horn, a traditional Danish pastry that's filled with ham and cheese. These flaky, buttery pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack. And with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make your own delicious horn right at home.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of warm milk
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 envelope of active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 egg, beaten
- 6 slices of ham
- 1/2 cup of grated cheese (such as cheddar or Swiss)
Preparation Method
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, sugar, and yeast until the yeast is dissolved. Add in the flour and salt, and stir until a sticky dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a large bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
Fold the dough into thirds like a letter, then turn it 90 degrees and roll it out again into a rectangle. Fold it into thirds again, then wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out into a large rectangle again. Cut the dough into 6 triangles. Place a slice of ham and a spoonful of grated cheese on each triangle, then roll the dough up from the wide end to the tip.
Place the horns on the prepared baking sheet, with the tip of the dough tucked underneath to prevent unraveling. Brush the tops of the horns with the beaten egg.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Bake the horns for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Horn
Use Good-Quality Ham and Cheese
The filling is a key component of horn, so be sure to use good-quality ham and cheese for the best flavor. Try using a sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese for a delicious, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the flaky pastry
Chill the Dough Before Baking
Chilling the dough before filling and baking is an important step in making horn. This helps the pastry to maintain its shape and prevents the butter from melting too quickly, which can result in a less flaky pastry.
Brush with Egg Wash for a Shiny, Golden Brown Finish
Brushing the tops of the horns with beaten egg before baking not only adds shine, but it also helps the pastry to develop a beautiful golden brown color.
Experiment with Different Fillings
While ham and cheese is the classic filling for horn, you can experiment with other fillings to suit your taste. Try using smoked salmon and cream cheese, or spinach and feta cheese for a delicious vegetarian option.
The Best Horn Recipe for Pastry Lovers Everywhere
If you're looking for a new pastry recipe to try, why not give horn a chance? With their flaky texture and delicious filling, these Danish croissants are sure to become a new favorite in your household. And with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up a batch of these delicious pastries any day of the week.
So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself why horn are such a beloved dish in Denmark? Whether you're serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, you're sure to love the flaky, buttery texture and savory filling of these delicious pastries.
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