Introduction
Elevate your snack game with these delightful ham and cheese puff pastry pinwheels. Perfect for parties, game days, or a quick and tasty treat, these pinwheels are incredibly simple to make and utterly satisfying. With a buttery, flaky texture and a savory filling, they are sure to please a crowd. Get ready to impress with this delicious appetizer!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
6–8 slices of ham (honey ham recommended)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 egg, beaten
Optional: Italian seasoning or garlic powder
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 30–33 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 pinwheels
Directions
1. Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the puff pastry: Unfold the thawed pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out slightly if needed.
3. Add fillings: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the pastry, if using. Layer the ham slices evenly, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
4. Roll and chill: Starting from the shorter edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up.
5. Slice and bake: Cut the chilled roll into ½-inch thick slices. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg.
6. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Tips
If Dijon mustard isn’t available, consider using ranch dressing or omitting it.
For added flavor, sprinkle Italian seasoning or garlic powder over the cheese before rolling.
To include vegetables, add chopped spinach or green onions before rolling.
These pinwheels can be assembled ahead of time, wrapped in plastic, and refrigerated overnight. Slice and bake when ready.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 2–3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
For freezing, prepare the roll, wrap it tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, slice and bake from frozen, adding an additional 5 minutes to the baking time.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the puff pastry
Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If necessary, roll it out slightly to make it more even and manageable.
Step 3: Add fillings
If you’re using Dijon mustard, spread a thin layer over the surface of the pastry. Next, layer the ham slices evenly across the pastry, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Step 4: Roll and chill
Starting from the shorter edge of the pastry, carefully roll it tightly into a log shape. Wrap the log in plastic wrap or place it in a container, then refrigerate for about 10 minutes to firm it up.
Step 5: Slice and bake
After chilling, remove the log from the refrigerator and cut it into ½-inch thick slices. Arrange these slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the pinwheels for 15–18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Notes
Substitutions
If you do not have Dijon mustard, you can substitute with ranch dressing or simply omit it.
Flavor Enhancements
To elevate the taste, consider sprinkling Italian seasoning or garlic powder over the cheese before rolling the pastry.
Vegetable Additions
For a nutritious twist, you can include chopped spinach or green onions in the filling before rolling.
Preparation Ahead of Time
These pinwheels can be made in advance. Assemble them, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Slice and bake when you are ready to serve.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for 2–3 days. They can be reheated in the oven or air fryer.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze, prepare the roll, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, slice the roll from frozen and bake, adding an extra five minutes to the baking time.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) for even baking before placing the pinwheels inside.
Preparing Puff Pastry
Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it out slightly if necessary to create an even base for filling.
Adding Fillings
Spread Dijon mustard (if using) evenly across the pastry, layer the ham slices, and sprinkle shredded cheese for balanced flavor distribution.
Rolling the Pastry
Start rolling from the shorter edge of the pastry tightly into a log to create uniform pinwheels, ensuring the fillings stay inside.
Chilling
Chill the rolled pastry for 10 minutes to firm it up, which makes slicing easier and helps maintain the shape during baking.
Slicing and Baking
Cut the roll into ½-inch thick slices to ensure even cooking. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish, then bake until golden brown and bubbly.
FAQ
Can I use different types of ham?
Yes, you can use any variety of ham, but honey ham is recommended for its sweetness.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella cheeses are all great options. You can choose based on your flavor preference.
Is it necessary to use Dijon mustard?
No, the Dijon mustard is optional. You can substitute with ranch dressing or leave it out entirely.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped spinach or green onions can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 2–3 days. They can be reheated in the oven or air fryer.
Can these pinwheels be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled roll tightly wrapped. Bake from frozen, adding an additional 5 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
These ham and cheese pinwheels are not only easy to prepare but also a delightful appetizer or snack option for any occasion. The combination of savory ham, melted cheese, and flaky pastry makes for a satisfying treat. Adjustments can be made to suit personal tastes, ensuring a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Vegetable Delight Pinwheels
Incorporate vegetables such as chopped spinach, bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms to your pinwheel filling for an extra health boost and flavor.
Spicy Sriracha Pinwheels
Add a drizzle of Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce on top of the ham before adding cheese for a spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile.
Caprese-Inspired Pinwheels
Substitute ham with sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a fresh Italian twist. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Breakfast Pinwheels
Fill the pastry with scrambled eggs, cooked bacon, and cheese for a delightful breakfast treat that can be enjoyed any time of day.
Sweet and Savory Pinwheels
For a unique variation, try using brie cheese and thinly sliced apples or pears as the filling. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet touch.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Pinwheels
Mix garlic powder and Italian seasoning into the cheese before rolling up the pastry for a delicious garlic bread-inspired version.
Turkey and Cranberry Pinwheels
Replace ham with turkey and spread a layer of cranberry sauce for a festive bite, perfect for holiday gatherings.
