Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels That Steal the Show5🥐

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Totally Irresistible

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a deliciously easy appetizer or snack that brings together flaky pastry, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese in one irresistible bite. These golden-brown spirals are perfect for entertaining, brunches, potlucks, or even as a quick midweek treat. The magic lies in the puff pastry — a light, buttery dough that puffs up in the oven to create crisp, airy layers that perfectly complement the rich, salty ham and creamy cheese filling.

This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels starts with a sheet of puff pastry, which is rolled out and optionally spread with a thin layer of Dijon mustard for an extra tangy kick. Then, layers of thinly sliced deli ham and shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite blend) are added before the pastry is rolled up tightly like a jelly roll. Once sliced into pinwheels and brushed with a simple egg wash, they’re baked until puffed and golden.

They’re wonderfully versatile — serve them warm straight from the oven, or prepare ahead and reheat for a quick snack. You can even freeze them before baking for easy make-ahead appetizers. Whether you’re hosting guests or just craving something savory and satisfying, these Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are guaranteed to impress with their rich flavor, simple preparation, and beautiful presentation.

📌 Number of Servings: 6 (2 pinwheels per person)

⏳ Preparation Time: 15 minutes

🔥 Cooking Time: 20 minutes

🥢 Ingredients :

✅ 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

✅ 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)

✅ 6 slices of deli ham

✅ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Swiss cheese)

✅ 1 egg (for egg wash)

✅ 1 tablespoon water

👨‍🍳 Instructions :

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth creases.
3. Add Mustard (optional): Spread Dijon mustard thinly over the puff pastry.
4. Layer Ham and Cheese:
   • Lay the slices of ham evenly over the pastry.
   • Sprinkle shredded cheese over the ham.
5. Roll & Slice:
   • Starting from one edge, tightly roll the puff pastry into a log.
   • Using a sharp knife, slice into 12 even pieces (about ½ inch thick).
6. Egg Wash:
   • In a small bowl, whisk the egg with water.
   • Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the egg wash for a golden finish.
7. Bake:
   • Place pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet.
   • Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
8. Cool Slightly & Serve:
   • Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Best served warm.

💡 TIPS :

• For extra flavor, add herbs like thyme or oregano before rolling.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• These can be made ahead of time and frozen unbaked. Just slice, freeze on a tray, then store in a zip bag. Bake from frozen +5 mins.

📊 Nutrition Information (per serving – 2 pinwheels)

(Approximate values, may vary based on ingredients used)

❓ Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels FAQ :

1. Can I make these Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels ahead of time?
   Yes! Make-ahead friendly: Assemble and slice the pinwheels in advance, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, freeze them unbaked and bake straight from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the baking time.
2. What kind of cheese works best?
   Cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella all work well. Use a cheese that melts nicely and has good flavor.
3. Do I have to use Dijon mustard?
   No, it’s optional. Dijon adds a tangy flavor, but you can skip it or use alternatives like honey mustard, pesto, or even a thin layer of cream cheese.
4. Can I use homemade puff pastry?
   Absolutely! If you enjoy making puff pastry from scratch, go for it. But store-bought puff pastry saves time and works perfectly.
5. Can I use turkey instead of ham?
   Yes. Sliced deli turkey or chicken makes a great substitute if you prefer leaner meat or want to change it up.
6. How do I keep the Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels from unraveling?
   Roll the pastry tightly and press the edge to seal. Chilling the roll for 10–15 minutes before slicing also helps them hold shape.
7. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
   Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven for about 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose crispness.
8. Are these Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels good for kids?
   Yes! Most kids love the simple flavors of ham and cheese. You can even involve them in the rolling and slicing.
9. Can I make them vegetarian?
   Yes, simply skip the ham and use sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes with cheese instead.
10. How do I store leftovers?
    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving for the best texture.

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