Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a perfect combination of buttery, flaky pastry, savory ham, and melty cheese—making them a delightful snack or appetizer. Whether you’re preparing for a party, looking for a quick lunch, or in need of a delicious snack, these pinwheels are both easy to make and incredibly flavorful. The rich taste of Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that complements the gooey cheese and savory ham, while the puff pastry crisps up beautifully in the oven, giving the dish a satisfying crunch with every bite.

These pinwheels can be served as finger food at gatherings or simply enjoyed as a quick meal for yourself or your family. With just a few ingredients and a simple assembly process, this recipe makes it easy to impress your guests or satisfy your hunger. The best part? They’re versatile enough to customize, so you can swap out the type of cheese or herbs based on your preferences. The result is a savory treat that’s sure to disappear in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Quick

With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these pinwheels come together in no time, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

2. Perfect for Entertaining

These puff pastry pinwheels are ideal for parties, potlucks, or game day. They’re easy to make ahead and can be served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

3. Flaky, Buttery Pastry

The puff pastry creates a light, flaky, and buttery base that perfectly complements the savory filling.

4. Customizable

You can switch up the cheese or add herbs like thyme or chives, allowing you to personalize these pinwheels to your taste.

5. Savory and Satisfying

The combination of ham, cheese, and Dijon mustard offers a savory and rich flavor, making these pinwheels a satisfying snack or meal.

Ingredients

• Frozen puff pastry sheets (2 sheets, thawed overnight)
• Dijon mustard (3 tablespoons, divided)
• Thinly-sliced deli ham (12 slices, about 10 ounces)
• Freshly grated cheese (Gruyere, Swiss, fontina, sharp cheddar, or similar melty cheese, about 2 cups or 5 ounces)
• Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives, optional, for garnish)

Variations

• Cheese Swap: Use your favorite cheese or a blend of cheeses to suit your tastes. Brie, mozzarella, or provolone are great alternatives.
• Add Veggies: Include thinly sliced vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle chili flakes to the mustard before spreading it on the pastry for a bit of heat.
• Herb Infusion: Mix finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or basil into the cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
• Meat-Free Version: For a vegetarian option, skip the ham and use sautéed mushrooms or a veggie-based filling.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheets on a clean surface. Spread one tablespoon of Dijon mustard evenly over each sheet of pastry.

Step 3: Layer the Ham

Place the thin slices of ham evenly over each sheet of pastry, covering the surface.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the ham, ensuring that the cheese covers the entire pastry.

Step 5: Roll and Slice

Carefully roll up the pastry sheets from one edge to the other, creating a tight log. Once rolled, slice the log into 1-inch wide pinwheels.

Step 6: Bake the Pinwheels

Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the cheese is melted.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives, if desired. Serve warm.

Tips for Making the Recipe

– Don’t Overfill the Pastry

While it’s tempting to add more cheese and ham, be careful not to overload the pastry, as this can make it harder to roll and may affect the final texture.

– Use Freshly Grated Cheese

Grating the cheese fresh from the block helps it melt more evenly and enhances the flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.

– Ensure the Puff Pastry is Well Thawed

Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before using. If it’s too cold or not fully thawed, it may crack or not puff properly during baking.

– Brush with Egg Wash for Extra Shine

For a golden, glossy finish, brush the top of the pinwheels with a little beaten egg before baking.

– Don’t Skip the Cooling Step

Allow the pinwheels to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and prevents burns from hot cheese.

How to Serve

Serve these Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels as an appetizer, snack, or light lunch. They pair well with a fresh green salad or a side of pickles. For a party, arrange them on a platter with dipping sauces such as honey mustard or a spicy aioli for added flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover pinwheels, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4 days.

Freezing

These pinwheels freeze well. To freeze, place the unbaked pinwheels on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven for a crispier result.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought ham?

Yes, you can use any deli ham or pre-sliced ham that you prefer.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels the night before and refrigerate them before baking. Just make sure to allow extra baking time if they’re chilled.

3. Can I use a different type of pastry?

While puff pastry works best, you can experiment with crescent roll dough or phyllo dough, although the texture will differ.

4. Can I make these without mustard?

Yes, you can skip the mustard or replace it with a different spread, like cream cheese or a balsamic glaze.

5. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! You can swap the suggested cheeses for any cheese that melts well, like mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone.

6. How do I prevent the pinwheels from unrolling?

Make sure to roll the pastry tightly and seal the edges before baking. You can also press gently on the edges of the pastry to help keep them secure.

7. How can I make these spicier?

Add some spicy mustard or sprinkle chili flakes on top before baking for an added kick.

8. Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, you can use frozen puff pastry, just make sure to thaw it completely before using.

9. How long should I bake the pinwheels?

Bake the pinwheels for 15-20 minutes or until golden and the cheese is melted. If they are smaller or larger, you may need to adjust the baking time.

10. Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes, you can skip the ham and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are the ultimate combination of savory, cheesy goodness and flaky pastry. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a quick snack, or part of a casual meal, they’re sure to delight everyone. With endless customization options and simple ingredients, these pinwheels are as versatile as they are delicious. Make them ahead, freeze them, and have a perfect bite-sized treat ready whenever you need it!

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