Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

This golden, flaky puff pastry treat stuffed with savory ham and melty cheese has become my go-to recipe whenever guests pop over unexpectedly. The effortless preparation and impressive presentation make these pinwheels perfect for everything from casual snacking to elegant entertaining.

I first made these pinwheels for a last-minute game day gathering when I had limited ingredients. What started as a pantry raid has turned into the most requested appetizer among my friends and family.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet: thawed but still cold for easiest handling and maximum flakiness
• Thinly sliced ham: choose quality deli ham with good flavor as it's a star ingredient
• Shredded cheese: a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella creates the perfect balance of flavor and melt
• Egg: creates that beautiful golden sheen that makes these pinwheels irresistible
• Dijon mustard: optional but adds a tangy depth that elevates the entire appetizer
• Italian seasoning: adds a subtle herbal note that complements the savory filling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature achieves the perfect balance of browning the outside while allowing the inside to cook through completely.

Prepare Puff Pastry:

Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Work quickly while the pastry is still cool to maintain those beautiful layers that create the signature flakiness.

Layer Ingredients:

Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard across the pastry if using. The key word is thin here as too much can make the pastry soggy. Arrange ham slices in a single overlapping layer covering the entire surface. Sprinkle cheese evenly across the ham ensuring it reaches all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.

Roll The Pastry:

Starting from one long edge tightly roll the pastry into a log shape. Apply gentle even pressure as you roll to avoid air pockets. Press the final edge lightly to seal the roll closed.

Chill The Roll:

Place your pastry log in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. This crucial step firms up the pastry and filling making clean slices possible without squashing your beautiful spiral.

Slice Into Pinwheels:

Using your sharpest knife cut the chilled roll into half inch thick slices. A gentle sawing motion works best to maintain the round shape and prevent squishing.

Prepare For Baking:

Arrange your pinwheels on the parchment lined baking sheet leaving at least an inch between each one as they will expand. Brush the tops with beaten egg ensuring you cover the exposed pastry edges for that beautiful golden finish. Sprinkle with herbs if desired.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Look for a deep golden brown color and noticeable puffing of the pastry layers. The cheese should be bubbling and slightly caramelized at the edges.

The Dijon mustard is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its importance accidentally when I ran out of butter one day and needed something to help the fillings stick. Now I wouldn't make them without it as it adds a subtle tanginess that cuts through the richness of the cheese and pastry.

Make-Ahead Magic

These pinwheels are perfect for planning ahead. You can prepare the entire roll up to the slicing step and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before slicing and baking. For even more convenience you can flash freeze the sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer bag for storage up to 3 months. When ready to serve bake directly from frozen adding about 5 minutes to the baking time.

Easy Variations

The basic ham and cheese combination is just the beginning. Try prosciutto and gruyere for an elegant twist or pepperoni and mozzarella for pizza lovers. Vegetarian options work beautifully too with combinations like spinach and feta or roasted red peppers with goat cheese. The technique remains the same regardless of filling just be careful not to overload the pastry which can lead to leakage during baking.

Serving Suggestions

While these pinwheels are delicious on their own they truly shine as part of a larger spread. For brunch pair them with a simple green salad and fresh fruit. For cocktail hour arrange on a platter alongside olives marinated vegetables and a good mustard for dipping. They also make an excellent accompaniment to soups especially tomato or butternut squash varieties where their richness balances the acidity of the soup.

Pin it

These pinwheels are sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite go-to recipe for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of meat for these pinwheels?

Yes, you can substitute the ham with turkey, salami, or prosciutto for a different flavor profile.

→ What types of cheese work best for these pinwheels?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of these cheeses work perfectly. You can also try Gruyère or Swiss for a more robust flavor.

→ Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and chill the roll up to 24 hours in advance. Slice and bake just before serving.

→ How do I store leftover pinwheels?

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I freeze these puff pastry pinwheels?

Yes, you can freeze assembled but unbaked pinwheels. Once frozen, bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.