Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a simple yet irresistible snack featuring flaky, buttery puff pastry wrapped around savory ham and melted cheese. Perfect for parties, quick bites, or brunch, these pinwheels offer a crispy texture balanced with a rich, creamy filling and are easily customizable to suit any taste or occasion.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 pinwheels 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Gluten
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet ready-made puff pastry (thawed according to package instructions)
- 4–6 slices good-quality ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or preferred melting cheese)
Optional Ingredients
- 1–2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- 1 beaten egg for egg wash
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Thaw your puff pastry sheets according to package instructions until just pliable but still cold. This helps maintain the layers for perfect puffing during baking.
- Layer the Filling: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the puff pastry to smooth the seams. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard if using, then evenly place sliced ham across the surface, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese and optional herbs.
- Roll and Slice: Starting at one edge, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log shape. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into 1-inch pinwheels, making sure the filling stays intact inside.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Place the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking tray spaced slightly apart. Brush the tops with beaten egg to achieve that golden color and a glossy finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes before serving so the cheese sets slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Keep Pastry Cold: Work quickly with chilled puff pastry to ensure flakiness and puff during baking.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause leakage or prevent the pinwheels from sealing properly.
- Uniform Slices: Slice the roll evenly for consistent baking and appearance.
- Egg Wash Brushing: Apply a thin, even coat of egg wash for appealing color without sogginess.
- Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pinwheels
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: ham and cheese, puff pastry, pinwheels, appetizers, party food, snack, easy recipes