If you’re looking for a festive centrepiece that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavour, this Venezuelan Ham Bread Ring is your answer! Inspired by the traditional Pan de Jamón, this simplified version captures all the delicious flavours of the classic Venezuelan Christmas bread in a fun and approachable format. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want to wow your guests with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Venezuelan Ham Bread Ring:
- Bursting with Flavours: The combination of ham, smoked bacon, sultanas, stuffed olives, and honey creates the perfect balance of savoury and sweet.
- Simple and Convenient: Using ready-to-bake croissant dough saves time while still delivering a flaky, golden crust.
- Festive Presentation: Its wreath-like shape makes it an ideal dish to serve during holiday celebrations.
- Versatile: It’s great as a main course, appetiser, or side dish.
Tips for Making the Perfect Ham Bread Ring:
- Keep the Dough Cold: Work with cold croissant dough to make it easier to shape and handle.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for smoked streaky bacon and quality ham for maximum flavour.
- Customise Fillings: Add cream cheese or swap mozzarella for gouda if you want a creamier texture.
- Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing the dough with beaten egg gives it a glossy, golden finish.
- Prevent Burning: Cover the ring with foil halfway through baking to ensure it doesn’t brown too quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the bread ring a few hours before baking and store it in the fridge. Brush with egg wash just before putting it in the oven.
What can I serve with this bread ring?
It pairs wonderfully with a light salad, as well as other Venezuelan Christmas food such as Hallacas.
Can I use a different dough?
Absolutely! Puff pastry or pizza dough also works well, though croissant dough gives the flakiest texture.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Wrap individual slices in cling film and store them in the freezer. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
Easy Venezuelan Ham Bread Ring
Course: Lunch, DinnerDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes25
minutes35
minutesIngredients
1 x 340g pack Ready-to-Bake Croissant Dough
150g Ham
6 Smoked Streaky Bacon Rashers
¼ cup Sultanas
⅓ cup Stuffed Olives (with red bell pepper)
2 tbsp Honey
100g Mozzarella Cheese
1 Egg
Directions
- Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 180°C.
- Cook the streaky bacon in a pan over medium heat until slightly golden. Set aside.
- Shape the Dough
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the croissant dough triangles in a circular pattern with the wide ends overlapping and the pointed ends facing outward. Use a small bowl in the centre to guide the shape, creating a star-like pattern.
- Add the Fillings
- Spread honey evenly over the dough.
- Layer the ham, cooked bacon, sultanas, stuffed olives, and mozzarella cheese over the wide ends of the triangles.
- Form the Ring
- Remove the bowl from the centre.
- Gently fold the pointed ends of the dough triangles over the filling, tucking them under the wide ends to form a ring.
- Bake
- Beat the egg and brush it over the dough for a glossy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Cover with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve
- Let the bread ring cool slightly before transferring it to a serving plate. Slice and enjoy warm!