Golden Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe for All

Crafting delightful ham and cheese puff pastry pinwheels brings pure culinary joy to your kitchen adventure.

Flaky layers promise a mouthwatering experience that’ll make snack time extraordinary.

Buttery pastry hugs savory ham and melted cheese in perfect harmony.

Crisp edges and gooey centers create an irresistible combination that sparks excitement.

Light, golden spirals emerge from your oven looking like miniature masterpieces.

Quick preparation means you can whip up these elegant appetizers in minutes.

Each bite delivers a delicious blend of comfort and sophistication that’ll impress everyone around the table.

Roll into this recipe and watch magic unfold before your eyes.

What Makes Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Totally Irresistible

• Unlock Quick Appetizers: Craft delightful party snacks in minutes with minimal ingredients and simple steps.
• Customize Flavor Adventure: Swap ham with different meats, add spices, or experiment with cheese varieties to match personal taste preferences.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Handheld, bite-sized treats that appeal to both children and adults, making them perfect for family gatherings or school lunches.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: No advanced cooking techniques needed – even beginner cooks can create impressive-looking pastry pinwheels with basic preparation skills.

Everything You Need for Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

• Puff Pastry: A light and flaky pastry that serves as the foundation for these delicious pinwheels.
• Ham: A savory protein that adds rich flavor to the pinwheels.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides melty, creamy goodness and enhances the overall taste.

• Mustard, Dried Herbs: Add depth and complexity to the pinwheels' taste profile.

• Egg: Used for brushing the pastry to create a golden, shiny exterior.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures the pinwheels do not stick to the baking sheet and helps with easy cleanup.

How to Bake Ham and Cheese Pinwheels to Golden Bliss

Step 1: Unfolding the Pastry

Take the chilled puff pastry out of the refrigerator and gently unfold it on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to smooth out any creases and create a uniform rectangular shape.

Ensure the pastry is cool but pliable for easy handling.

Step 2: Creating Flavor Layers

• Dijon mustard
• Thinly sliced ham
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or gruyere work best)
• Dried thyme or oregano

Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard across the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.

Arrange ham slices evenly over the mustard. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.

Dust with dried herbs for an extra flavor boost.

Step 3: Rolling into Perfect Spirals

Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log.

Use gentle, consistent pressure to ensure a compact spiral. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pinwheel pieces.

Step 4: Preparing for the Oven

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the pinwheels cut-side down, spacing them about an inch apart. Gently brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.

Step 5: Baking to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and puffy texture.

The edges should be crisp and the cheese melted.

Step 6: Serving and Enjoying

Remove from the oven and let the pinwheels cool for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a serving platter. These can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for gatherings or quick snacks.

Pro Tips for Puff Pastry Ham and Cheese Heaven

• Opt for dijon mustard to add a tangy kick that complements the ham and cheese perfectly.
• Ensure the puff pastry is cold but slightly pliable for easy rolling and clean cuts.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
• Make these pinwheels ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for a quick party appetizer.
• Freeze unbaked pinwheels for up to one month, baking directly from frozen with a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Switch Things Up With New Ham and Cheese Combos

• Spicy Jalapeño Poppers Pinwheels: Replace ham with cream cheese and add diced jalapeños for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Veggie Rolls: Swap ham for roasted red peppers, spinach, and crumbled feta cheese to create a vegetarian option.
• Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Swirls: Upgrade the traditional ham with thin prosciutto slices and tangy goat cheese for an elegant appetizer.
• Breakfast Morning Rolls: Incorporate scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and cheddar cheese for a breakfast-inspired variation.

Pair These Pinwheels With Winning Bites

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the richness of the ham and cheese, refreshing your palate with its bright, zesty notes.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the buttery pastry and provide a crisp, peppery contrast to the savory pinwheels.
• Match with Tangy Dijon Dipping Sauce: Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, and a splash of white wine vinegar to create a quick dipping sauce that enhances the pinwheels' flavors and adds a zesty kick.

Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Storage Know-How

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Place pinwheels on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain pastry's crunch.
• Toaster Oven: Arrange pinwheels on the toaster oven tray. Heat at medium setting for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Perfect for small batches and quick reheating.

Quick Answers for Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Fans

• What are puff pastry pinwheels?

Puff pastry pinwheels are rolled pastry treats with fillings like ham and cheese, sliced into round shapes that look like spirals when baked, creating a visually appealing and delicious appetizer or snack.

• Can I use different types of ham?

Yes, you can use various ham types like honey ham, Black Forest ham, or prosciutto. Choose a ham you enjoy that will complement the cheese and pastry flavors.

• How do I prevent my pinwheels from unrolling during baking?

To keep pinwheels intact, roll them tightly, slice with a sharp knife, and place them seam-side down on the baking sheet. The egg wash also helps seal the edges during baking.

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 33–35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful ham and cheese puff pastry pinwheels spiral with golden, buttery layers of flaky pastry and savory fillings. Elegant appetizers promise a quick, crowd-pleasing bite you’ll savor at every gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Cheese:

• 150 g (6 slices) ham, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or choice)

Base and Binding:

• 1 puff pastry sheet (about 250 g), thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Seasonings and Flavoring:

• 1 tablespoon mustard (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (oregano or thyme, optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Unfold the chilled puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface, ensuring it remains cool and manageable.
2. Carefully spread a thin layer of tangy Dijon mustard across the entire pastry surface, leaving a small border around the edges for sealing.
3. Arrange thin slices of high-quality ham in a uniform layer, covering the pastry completely without overlapping excessively.
4. Generously scatter grated cheese, preferably a blend of sharp cheddar and gruyère, evenly across the ham layer.
5. Sprinkle dried thyme or oregano for an aromatic herb dimension to enhance the overall flavor profile.
6. Tightly roll the pastry from the longest edge, creating a compact cylindrical log, ensuring a snug and even rotation.
7. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the log into 12 equal pinwheel segments with smooth, decisive motions.
8. Transfer the pinwheels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning them cut-side down with slight separation between each piece.
9. Delicately brush the exposed surfaces with beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.
10. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the pinwheels for 18-20 minutes until they rise dramatically and turn a rich, golden-brown color.
11. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes, serving warm for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional puff pastry with gluten-free alternatives made from rice or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with different cheese types like Gruyère, cheddar, or goat cheese to add unique taste profiles and create exciting variations.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare and slice the pinwheels in advance, then refrigerate overnight before baking for a convenient party or brunch prep strategy.
• Customization Hack: Add thin slices of caramelized onions, fresh herbs like thyme or chives, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to elevate the flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg