Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels provide the perfect balance of flaky, buttery texture and savory, melted goodness. My three kids always come running to the kitchen the moment they smell these treats baking in the oven. You will love how the salty ham pairs with the sharp cheese inside layers of golden pastry.

These bite-sized appetizers work beautifully for holiday parties, after-school snacks, or even a light weekend brunch. They require very little preparation but offer a gourmet result that impresses every guest. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a warm, cheesy center. Making Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels is a simple way to show your family that food is love.

Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

• Incredible Texture: The combination of shatteringly crisp puff pastry and gooey melted cheese creates a mouthfeel that everyone enjoys.
• Kid-Approved Flavors: Most children love the classic pairing of ham and cheese, making this a stress-free option for picky eaters.
• Versatile Serving Options: You can serve these Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels as a quick lunch, a party appetizer, or a side dish for soup.
• Time-Saving Preparation: Using high-quality store-bought pastry allows you to assemble these in under fifteen minutes.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap the types of meat or cheese to suit your family’s specific nutritional needs and preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Selecting high-quality ingredients transforms these Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels from a simple snack into a gourmet experience. I always recommend looking for deli ham that is free from unnecessary nitrates and choosing a cheese that melts smoothly. The puff pastry acts as the canvas for these flavors, so ensure it is made with real butter for the best possible rise and flavor profile. Below is the list of essentials you will need to gather before you start baking.

Substitutions & Variations

Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different method.

If you want to make your Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels even more nourishing, there are several healthy swaps you can consider. Instead of traditional pork ham, try using thinly sliced roasted turkey breast for a leaner protein option. You can also replace the Swiss cheese with a low-fat mozzarella or a sharp white cheddar to adjust the flavor profile while keeping the calorie count in check.

For those who want to add more greens to their diet, consider layering a handful of fresh baby spinach leaves over the ham before rolling the pastry. This adds vitamins and minerals without significantly changing the taste.

If you are watching your sodium intake, look for “low-sodium” labeled meats and cheeses. Additionally, you can swap the Dijon mustard for a thin layer of Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for a creamier, protein-packed alternative that still provides a lovely moisture to the center of the Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels.

If you’re looking to enhance the nutrition of your Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels, consider making some health-conscious substitutions. For a hearty meal, try pairing them with a warm bowl of Hamburger Stew to round out your dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry: Begin by lightly flouring your clean kitchen counter. Lay out the thawed puff pastry sheet and gently roll it with a rolling pin to smooth out any creases. You want a consistent thickness across the entire sheet.
2. Apply the Base: Spread the Dijon mustard evenly across the surface of the pastry, leaving a half-inch border around the edges. This border ensures the pastry can seal properly when you roll it up.
3. Layer the Fillings: Place your ham slices over the mustard in a single, even layer. Follow this by sprinkling the shredded cheese and garlic powder over the ham. Ensure the fillings are distributed well so every bite of the Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels is flavorful.
4. Roll the Dough: Starting from the long edge closest to you, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Work slowly to keep the roll firm. Once finished, pinch the seam to seal it.
5. Chill the Log: Wrap the log in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial because it firms up the butter in the pastry, making it much easier to slice without squishing the layers.
6. Preheat and Slice: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
7. Bake to Perfection: Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for expansion. Brush the tops and sides with the beaten egg wash. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are deeply golden brown and puffed up.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool for five minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving warm to your hungry family.

Pro Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels, always work with cold dough. If the pastry becomes too warm and soft while you are handling it, the layers will fuse together rather than puffing up into distinct, flaky sheets. Another secret is to use a serrated knife with a sawing motion when slicing the log.

This technique prevents you from flattening the circular shape. Furthermore, do not overstuff the pinwheels. While it is tempting to add extra ham and cheese, too much filling can leak out and cause the bottom of the pastry to become soggy.

Finally, make sure your oven is fully preheated before the tray goes in. The initial blast of high heat is what causes the water in the pastry to turn into steam, creating those beautiful, airy layers we all love in Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels.

Maximize the flakiness of your Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels by keeping the dough cold during preparation. For a comforting side that complements these delicious pinwheels, serve them with a steaming bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup.

Storage & Reheating Tips

If you have leftover Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain that signature crunch, I highly recommend avoiding the microwave for reheating. Instead, place the pinwheels back in a 350°F oven or an air fryer for about five minutes.

This method crisps the pastry back up and melts the cheese perfectly. If you want to prepare these in advance for a busy week, you can freeze the unbaked slices on a tray. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag.

When you are ready to eat, simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra three to five minutes to the total baking time. Having a stash of Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels in the freezer is a lifesaver for those days when you need a quick, nourishing snack for the kids.

What to Serve With This Recipe

While Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are quite satisfying on their own, pairing them with fresh, healthy sides turns them into a complete meal. I love serving these alongside a bright arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and toasted walnuts. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the buttery pastry beautifully.

For a cozy winter lunch, try serving these pinwheels with a bowl of homemade tomato basil soup or a creamy roasted cauliflower soup. You can also pair them with a side of roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli drizzled with olive oil and sea salt.

If you are serving these at a party, consider a side of fresh fruit skewers or a crisp vegetable crudité platter with a yogurt-based dip. These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are versatile enough to complement almost any vegetable-heavy side dish, ensuring your family receives a well-rounded and nourishing meal.

While these Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are great on their own, serving them with healthy sides can elevate your meal. A bowl of Homemade Hamburger Helper makes for an easy and satisfying accompaniment.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely prepare the Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels ahead of time. You can assemble and roll the log up to 24 hours in advance and keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. Simply slice and bake them right before you are ready to serve. This makes them an excellent choice for hosting brunch or holiday gatherings where you want to minimize kitchen time.

What is the best type of ham to use?

The best ham for Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels is a high-quality deli ham that is sliced thin. I prefer using honey-roasted ham because the slight sweetness creates a wonderful contrast with the salty cheese. However, black forest ham or smoked ham also adds a delicious, robust flavor to the recipe. Just ensure the meat is not too wet, as excess moisture can affect the pastry’s texture.

Why did my pinwheels turn out soggy?

Soggy Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels usually happen for two reasons: either the oven temperature was too low or there was too much moisture in the fillings. Make sure your oven is calibrated to 400°F and avoid using “wet” cheeses or overly thick layers of mustard. Using parchment paper on your baking sheet also helps by allowing air to circulate and absorbing any small amounts of escaping grease.

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a popular snack that combines layers of flaky pastry with melted cheese and savory ham, creating a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various settings. The preparation of these pinwheels allows for versatility, making them suitable for parties, brunches, or as after-school snacks, while also providing a way to customize ingredients to cater to different tastes.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This nutrition summary provides an estimate for one serving, which typically consists of two Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels. This snack offers a good balance of protein and carbohydrates to keep you energized throughout the afternoon.

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

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• Author: Emily
• Total Time: 37 mins
• Yield: 16 pinwheels 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels provide the perfect balance of flaky, buttery texture and savory, melted goodness. These bite-sized appetizers are great for holiday parties, after-school snacks, or a light weekend brunch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 sheet Frozen Puff Pastry
6–8 slices Deli Ham
1.5 cups Swiss or Gruyere Cheese
2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
1 large Egg
1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley
0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry: Lightly flour your clean kitchen counter, lay out the thawed puff pastry, and roll it to a consistent thickness
2. Apply the Base: Spread the Dijon mustard evenly on the pastry, leaving a border around the edges
3. Layer the Fillings: Place ham slices over the mustard, followed by the cheese and garlic powder
4. Roll the Dough: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log and pinch seam to seal
5. Chill the Log: Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes
6. Preheat and Slice: Preheat oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment, and slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and puffed up
8. Garnish and Serve: Let cool for five minutes and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving

Notes

Use high-quality deli ham and real butter puff pastry for the best results.

Do not overstuff the pinwheels to prevent sogginess.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 22 mins
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 pinwheels
• Calories: 245 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg