If you’re on the hunt for a delightful appetizer or snack that’s as charming as it is delicious, this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. Flaky puff pastry wrapped around savory slices of ham and melty cheese, kissed with a hint of Dijon mustard, creates a perfect bite-sized treat that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re prepping for a party, a cozy family gathering, or simply craving something scrumptious, these pinwheels hit all the right notes with their golden, crispy edges and ooey-gooey centers. The ease of assembling them combined with their irresistible taste means you’ll want to make this recipe on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient works together to bring something special to the table. From the buttery flaky puff pastry to the sharp kick of Dijon mustard, every component adds layers of texture, flavor, and that perfect golden color you can’t resist.
- Puff pastry sheet: Thawed for easy rolling, this flaky dough forms the buttery base everyone loves.
- Deli ham slices: Thinly sliced ham offers a tender, savory layer that complements the cheese perfectly.
- Shredded cheese (Swiss, cheddar, Gruyère, or blend): Melts beautifully to create gooey, flavorful pockets in every pinwheel.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tangy kick to balance the richness of the ham and cheese.
- Egg: Beaten with water to create an egg wash that ensures a golden, shiny crust.
- Water: Mixed with the egg for a smooth egg wash application.
- Sesame or poppy seeds: Optional toppings that add a lovely crunch and visual flair.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your workspace and preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Lightly flour your countertop or workspace to keep the puff pastry from sticking when you roll it out.
Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry
Place your thawed puff pastry sheet on the floured surface. Gently roll it out into a neat rectangle if it needs a little smoothing. This creates an even base to spread your delicious fillings.
Step 3: Spread the Dijon mustard
Using a spatula or knife, evenly spread a layer of Dijon mustard across the entire surface of the puff pastry. This adds that irresistible tang that complements the ham and cheese beautifully.
Step 4: Layer the ham and cheese
Next, arrange the deli ham slices evenly over the mustard. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top to ensure every pinwheel gets a melty, cheesy surprise.
Step 5: Roll the pastry into a tight log
Starting at the long edge of the puff pastry, carefully roll it into a tight log. Keeping the roll snug helps the pinwheels hold together without gaps, making for perfectly shaped bites.
Step 6: Slice into rounds
With a sharp knife, cut the log into rounds about ½ to ¾-inch thick. This should yield about 18 to 24 pinwheels, depending on how thick you slice.
Step 7: Arrange for baking
Place the pinwheels on your prepared baking sheet, cut side up, leaving a little space between each so they can puff up as they bake.
Step 8: Apply the egg wash and seeds
Whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash, then brush it over the tops of the pinwheels. This encourages a beautiful golden crust. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if you want to add a bit of crunch and visual interest.
Step 9: Bake until golden and puffed
Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they turn puffed and golden brown – that’s when you know they’re ready. Remove from the oven and serve warm for the best experience.
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can brighten up the Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe and add a dash of fresh color. A light smear of grainy mustard or a drizzle of honey mustard sauce on the side can also amp up the dipping experience.
Side Dishes
Pair these pinwheels with a crisp, refreshing salad for a balanced plate – something with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette works wonderfully. For a heartier bite, tomato soup or a bowl of creamy potato leek soup complements the savory richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the pinwheels on a large platter with colorful veggies like bell pepper strips and cucumber slices for a vibrant spread. You can also thread them onto skewers alternating with cherry tomatoes and olives to make fun and portable appetizers everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for 2 to 3 days and can be enjoyed as quick snacks or reheated appetizers.
Freezing
You can freeze the pinwheels before baking by placing the cut rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To bring back that delightful crispness, warm the leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Microwaving tends to make puff pastry soggy, so the oven is definitely your friend here.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe?
Absolutely! Swiss, cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend all work wonderfully and offer slightly different flavors and melting textures. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combo.
Is it necessary to use Dijon mustard?
While Dijon mustard adds a lovely tang that balances the richness, you can swap it out for whole grain mustard or even skip it if you prefer a milder flavor. Just keep in mind mustard elevates the overall taste.
Can I make these pinwheels vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables. Just be sure to adjust any moisture-rich fillings to keep the pastry from getting soggy.
How do I know when the puff pastry is properly baked?
Look for pinwheels that are golden brown, puffed up, and crispy on the edges. The cheese should be melted and bubbly underneath the crust.
Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?
You can assemble the pinwheels and freeze them, then bake fresh just before serving. This gives you the advantage of fresh, crispy pinwheels without last-minute prep stress.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough trying this Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe as your next crowd-pleasing appetizer or comforting snack. It’s one of those recipes that combines simple ingredients with a little kitchen magic to create something truly delicious. Whether for guests or family, these pinwheels bring a warm, inviting touch to any occasion and will definitely become a cherished classic in your cooking repertoire. Happy baking!
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Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 18 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a delicious and easy appetizer made with flaky puff pastry, savory deli ham, melty shredded cheese, and a touch of Dijon mustard. Perfect for parties or snacks, they bake up golden and crispy with a sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds on top.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Filling
- 8 slices deli ham (thinly sliced works best)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (Swiss, cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Topping
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly flour a clean work surface to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out Pastry: Place the thawed puff pastry on the floured surface. Gently roll it into a rectangle if it needs smoothing or enlarging.
- Spread Mustard: Evenly spread the tablespoon of Dijon mustard all over the surface of the puff pastry to add flavor and moisture.
- Add Ham and Cheese: Lay the thin slices of deli ham in an even layer over the mustard-covered pastry. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the ham.
- Roll the Pastry: Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, tightly roll the pastry into a log, making sure to keep the roll snug so it holds together well.
- Slice into Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled log into ½- to ¾-inch thick rounds, producing about 18 to 24 pinwheels.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each to allow for puffing during baking.
- Egg Wash and Topping: Whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of the pinwheels. Sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top if desired for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold before rolling to make it easier to handle.
- Use a sharp knife when slicing to avoid squishing the roll and maintain clean edges.
- You can substitute the ham with turkey or cooked bacon if desired.
- For a crispier top, use an egg wash and seeds, but this step is optional.
- Serve warm for best flavor and to enjoy the melted cheese texture.
