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
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)
Instructions
- Unfold the chilled puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface, ensuring it remains cool and manageable.
- Carefully spread a thin layer of tangy Dijon mustard across the entire pastry surface, leaving a small border around the edges for sealing.
- Arrange thin slices of high-quality ham in a uniform layer, covering the pastry completely without overlapping excessively.
- Generously scatter grated cheese, preferably a blend of sharp cheddar and gruyère, evenly across the ham layer.
- Sprinkle dried thyme or oregano for an aromatic herb dimension to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Tightly roll the pastry from the longest edge, creating a compact cylindrical log, ensuring a snug and even rotation.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the log into 12 equal pinwheel segments with smooth, decisive motions.
- Transfer the pinwheels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning them cut-side down with slight separation between each piece.
- Delicately brush the exposed surfaces with beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.
- 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.
- 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