Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels*

* not tested /

These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a savory, buttery delight that’s perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a quick breakfast. Flaky puff pastry is layered with thinly sliced ham, gooey cheese, and optional herbs or mustard for extra flavor, then rolled up and sliced into bite-sized pinwheels. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. Let’s roll up these cheesy, hammy treats!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Flaky and Delicious: Puff pastry creates a buttery, golden crust that’s irresistible.
Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients like spinach, Dijon mustard, or red pepper flakes for variety.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as appetizers, snacks, or even a portable breakfast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pinwheels:

1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade), thawed if frozen
4–6 slices deli ham (thinly sliced)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella work well)
Optional: 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or grainy mustard
Optional: Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley) or red pepper flakes for added flavor

For Assembly:

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases.

2. Layer the Fillings

Spread an even layer of mustard (if using) over the puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges.
Lay the slices of ham evenly over the pastry, slightly overlapping them to cover the surface.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the ham. Add optional herbs or spices if desired.

3. Roll and Slice

Starting from one long side, tightly roll the puff pastry into a log.
Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels. You should get about 8–10 pinwheels, depending on how thick you cut them.
Place the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1–2 inches apart.

4. Brush with Egg Wash

Lightly brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg. This will help them turn golden brown and shiny in the oven.

5. Bake Until Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

For Appetizers: Serve warm alongside marinara sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing for dipping.
For Breakfast: Pair with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or yogurt for a complete meal.
For Parties: Arrange on a platter with other finger foods like veggie skewers or mini quiches.

Pro Tips for Success

Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality ham and cheese for the best flavor.
Experiment with Fillings: Add sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or pesto for extra flair.
Freeze for Later: Assemble the pinwheels, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Keep It Even: Roll the log tightly and slice evenly to ensure the pinwheels hold their shape during baking.

Final Thoughts

These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a simple yet impressive dish that combines buttery puff pastry, savory ham, and melted cheese into one irresistible bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing snacks for a picnic, or just craving something cheesy and delicious, these pinwheels are sure to satisfy.

So grab your puff pastry, layer up those flavors, and bake up a batch of these golden, flaky treats. One bite of these savory, cheesy pinwheels, and you’ll understand why they’re a must-make for any occasion! 🥖🧀