These ham and cheese pinwheels are like tiny, tasty surprises! They are made by wrapping ham and cheese in soft dough, then rolling it all up and slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
They’re perfect for parties or a quick snack at home. I love serving them with some mustard or your favorite dip. Trust me, they disappear fast! 🥳
Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the heart of the dish, giving a flaky texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use crescent roll dough instead, but it won’t be as flaky.
Deli Ham: Any variety of ham works, but honey ham adds a nice sweetness. If you need a substitute, turkey or roast beef can be tasty alternatives too.
Cheese: I love using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for flavor and meltiness. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based cheese that melts well or skip the cheese entirely for a simpler version.
Dijon Mustard: This adds zing! If you’re not a mustard fan, a thin layer of cream cheese or even barbecue sauce can add a nice twist.
How Do You Roll the Perfect Pinwheels?
Rolling the pinwheels properly ensures that they hold together during baking. Here’s how:
- After you’ve laid out your ingredients on the puff pastry, make sure to start rolling from the longer side. This helps achieve bigger pinwheels.
- Keep the roll tight but not so tight that the filling spills out. A firm but gentle grip works best.
- Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut even slices. A serrated knife can help prevent squishing the puff pastry.
Delicious Savory Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen, about 9×9 inches)
- 6-8 slices deli ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or any mustard of choice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or oregano/basil mix)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Egg Wash:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10-15 minutes to prepare, plus 15-20 minutes for baking. In about half an hour, you’ll have delicious, golden brown pinwheels ready to serve! Perfect for parties or a quick snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the pinwheels will bake evenly. While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle, about 12×9 inches. This will provide a great base for your delicious fillings. If you have to work with a smaller piece, that’s okay too!
3. Spread the Mustard:
With a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the Dijon mustard evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry. This adds a zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the ham and cheese!
4. Add the Ham:
Next, lay the slices of deli ham evenly over the mustard. You can overlap a bit for more flavor, but aim to cover the pastry well.
5. Cheese It Up:
Now, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the ham. Choose your favorite cheese blend here for a delightful taste!
6. Season It:
Sprinkle the dried Italian herbs and black pepper evenly over the cheese for that extra flavor kick. It’s the little touches that make a difference!
7. Roll It Up:
Starting from the longer side, gently but tightly roll the puff pastry into a log shape. Keep it steady but not too tight; we want everything to stay inside!
8. Slice the Pinwheels:
Use a sharp knife to cut your log into about 12 equal pinwheels, each roughly 1 inch thick. Try to make them consistently sized so they bake evenly!
9. Prepare for Baking:
Place the pinwheels flat on the prepared baking sheet. Give them a little space so they can puff up while baking.
10. Egg Wash Time:
In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the pinwheels. This will help them turn a beautiful golden brown in the oven!
11. Bake to Perfection:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the cheese is bubbly and melty.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, take them out and let them cool for a minute. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if you like!
13. Dipping Goodness:
These pinwheels are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with some extra mustard or your favorite dipping sauce on the side for a special treat.
Enjoy these crispy, cheesy ham pinwheels as a fantastic appetizer or snack! They’re sure to impress your family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are great choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just make sure the cheese melts well!
Can I Make These Pinwheels in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels up to the point of baking and then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to cover them with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
Can I Freeze These Pinwheels?
Yes, you can freeze them! Once they’re cut into pinwheels and before baking, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
