Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

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🥐 Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Description

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are flaky, golden, and irresistibly savory appetizers made with buttery puff pastry, melty cheese, and savory ham. They’re quick to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for parties, brunches, lunchboxes, or an easy snack. With crisp edges and a soft, cheesy center, these pinwheels deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

⏱️ Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Chill Time: 15 minutes (optional but recommended)

  • Cook Time: 18–22 minutes

  • Total Time: ~35 minutes

  • Difficulty: Easy

🍽️ Servings

  • Makes: 16–20 pinwheels

  • Serving Size: 2 pinwheels

🧾 Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

  • ¾ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or Gruyère)

  • 4–5 slices deli ham, finely chopped or thinly layered

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon or honey mustard (optional)

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional topping)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven
    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Prepare the Pastry
    Roll out the puff pastry slightly on a lightly floured surface to smooth seams.

  3. Add Fillings
    Spread mustard evenly (if using). Sprinkle cheese evenly over the pastry, followed by ham, pepper, and garlic powder.

  4. Roll & Chill
    Roll the pastry tightly into a log from one long edge. Chill for 10–15 minutes to make slicing easier.

  5. Slice
    Cut into ½-inch (1.25 cm) slices and place cut-side up on the baking sheet.

  6. Egg Wash & Bake
    Brush with egg wash and sprinkle seeds if desired. Bake for 18–22 minutes until puffed and golden.

  7. Cool & Serve
    Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

🧠 Notes

  • Puff pastry must be cold when baking for maximum flakiness.

  • Finely chopped ham works better than thick slices for even rolling.

  • Avoid overfilling to prevent leaking cheese.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • Use high-quality puff pastry for better rise and flavor.

  • Shred cheese fresh for smoother melting.

  • For crisp bottoms, bake on the middle rack.

  • Freeze unbaked pinwheels and bake straight from frozen (+3–5 minutes).

🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving – 2 pinwheels)

  • Calories: 220

  • Protein: 8 g

  • Fat: 15 g

  • Carbohydrates: 14 g

  • Fiber: 1 g

  • Sodium: 420 mg

(Values vary depending on cheese and ham used.)

✅ Benefits

  • Quick & Convenient: Ready in under 40 minutes

  • Versatile: Great for breakfast, snacks, or appetizers

  • Kid-Friendly: Simple flavors everyone loves

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped and frozen

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble and slice them, then refrigerate up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: What cheese works best?
A: Cheddar and Swiss are classics, but Gruyère or mozzarella work beautifully too.

Q: Can I make them without ham?
A: Absolutely. Replace ham with spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Q: Can I use crescent dough instead of puff pastry?
A: Yes, but the texture will be softer and less flaky.

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