Romanian Ham And Cheese Appetiser Recipe – Aperitiv cu Sunca Si Cascaval

When I was little I always loved going with my parents to their work parties, because I would get to play around the kitchen and get extra food from the chefs. One of my most favourite dishes on the appetiser plate was this intriguing Romanian ham and cheese appetiser which I would always eat last – leaving the best for last. At that age, I found the stack of ham and cheese fascinating, impossible to recreate at home. Of course, little did I know how easy it was to make and how little ingredients required.

The other day, walking through the supermarket, I remembered the humble stack of ham and cheese that I used to love so much. So I bought ham, cheese, and cream cheese, to recreate it at home. I was so eager to taste it again that I didn’t let it rest enough, so forgive my clumsy photos.  

Ingredients for the Romanian Ham and Cheese Appetiser Recipe

For this delicious recipe of Romanian ham and cheese appetiser, you will only need three ingredients: ham, cheese, and either cream cheese or butter. Or no cream cheese or butter, depending on your preferences.

For an extra presentation touch, you can also top the stack with olives or cherry tomatoes.

How to Make the Romanian Ham And Cheese Appetiser

Lay out a sheet of foil or cling film on a flat surface. This will help you assemble the layers neatly and wrap them tightly for chilling. Begin by placing a slice of cascaval cheese on the foil or cling film. If you’re using cream cheese or butter, spread a thin layer over the cheese. Add a slice of ham on top, followed by another thin layer of cream cheese or butter. Continue alternating layers of cascaval cheese and ham until all slices are used. Ensure the layers are even for a clean and polished look when sliced.

Wrap the layered stack tightly with the foil or cling film, ensuring no air gaps. Place a weight, such as a small cutting board or heavy plate, on top to compress the layers. Refrigerate for a few hours to allow the stack to firm up.

Remove the stack from the fridge and carefully unwrap it. Using a sharp knife, slice the stack into small, bite-sized pieces. Arrange the pieces on a serving platter, and garnish with optional tomatoes and olives for a colourful presentation.

Notes and Tips

• To achieve clean and precise slices, it’s essential to chill the stack thoroughly before cutting. The layers will stay intact, resulting in a more visually appealing appetiser. Not like my photos – I didn’t have enough patience.
• Both butter and cream cheese work beautifully in this recipe. Choose based on your preference, or skip the spread entirely for a lighter version.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, while cascaval cheese is traditional, you can substitute it with similar semi-hard cheeses like Gouda, Havarti, or Edam for a comparable texture and flavour.

What type of ham works best?

We use “sunca” for this recipe – which is a deli-style type of ham, cut in a thicker slicer. My favourite is “Prague ham” because it has a slightly smoky taste.

How far in advance can I prepare this appetiser?

You can assemble the stack up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it wrapped and refrigerated until you’re ready to slice and serve.

For more similar traditional Romanian appetiser recipes, check out my suggestions below:

• Romanian zacusca recipe
• Romanian deviled eggs recipe
• Romanian fried pork ears recipe

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