Garlic Butter Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Twists with Roasted Garlic Sour Cream Dip

### Instructions for Garlic Butter Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Twists

#### Step 1: Roasting the Garlic for the Dip

1. **Roast the Garlic**: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off a head of garlic to expose the individual cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast it in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and caramelized. Let it cool slightly before squeezing the roasted garlic out of the skins.

#### Step 2: Preparing the Puff Pastry Twists

2. **Prepare the Puff Pastry**: Roll out the sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out. If you’re using pre-rolled puff pastry, just ensure it’s flat and even.

3. **Brush with Garlic Butter**: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic. Brush the garlic butter generously over the surface of the puff pastry.

4. **Layer Ham and Cheese**: Arrange the thin slices of ham evenly over the garlic buttered pastry, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the ham.

5. **Season**: Lightly sprinkle the ham and cheese with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste. If you like extra garlic flavor, feel free to add more minced garlic or even some garlic powder.

6. **Cut and Twist**: Carefully cut the puff pastry into strips, about 1 inch wide. Twist each strip gently into a spiral shape. Place the twists on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced out so they can puff up as they bake.

7. **Apply Egg Wash**: Brush the twists with the beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish once baked.

8. **Bake**: Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry twists are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

#### Step 3: Making the Roasted Garlic Sour Cream Dip

9. **Prepare the Dip**: In a small bowl, combine the roasted garlic, sour cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Mash the roasted garlic with a fork until smooth, then stir everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

10. **Serve**: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Set it alongside the warm puff pastry twists for dipping.

### Why This Dish Will Be a Hit

– **Savory & Addictive**: The buttery, garlicky puff pastry twists are perfectly complemented by the rich, creamy roasted garlic sour cream dip. Each bite of the twist is flavorful and satisfying, while the dip adds just the right amount of creaminess and depth.
– **Versatile**: These puff pastry twists can be served at any gathering—whether it’s a game day party, a holiday dinner, or just a casual family meal. You can also customize the filling by adding your favorite meats, cheeses, or vegetables to the pastry.
– **Impressive Yet Easy**: Despite their impressive appearance, these twists are incredibly easy to make. The store-bought puff pastry saves time, and the roasted garlic dip is simple yet packed with flavor.

### Tips for Success

– **Use Good Quality Ham**: For the best flavor, opt for thinly sliced deli ham or even leftover cooked ham if you have it on hand.
– **Cheese Variations**: While cheddar and Swiss are classic choices, you can experiment with other types of cheese like provolone, mozzarella, or gouda for a different flavor profile.
– **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the puff pastry twists ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to serve.
– **Roast Extra Garlic**: If you love garlic, roast an extra head and store the leftover garlic in the refrigerator. It makes a delicious addition to other dishes or can be spread on bread for a quick snack.

### The Ultimate Snack Experience

**Garlic Butter Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Twists with Roasted Garlic Sour Cream Dip** are the ultimate combination of flavor and comfort. With crispy, buttery twists packed with savory ham and cheese, paired with a smooth and creamy dip that packs a punch of roasted garlic, this dish will quickly become a favorite for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a get-together or simply treating yourself to a savory snack, these puff pastry twists are guaranteed to impress. So, next time you’re looking for a snack that’s both indulgent and easy to make, this recipe should be at the top of your list. Enjoy the irresistible flavors and watch them disappear in no time!