Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Introduction

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a delicious and easy appetizer made with flaky puff pastry, savory ham, and melted cheese. They are perfect for parties, brunches, lunch boxes, or as a quick snack. Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these pinwheels are always a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (about 250 g)

150 g thinly sliced ham

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or your favorite cheese)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or regular mustard (optional)

1 egg

1 tablespoon water

1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning (optional)

Instruction

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the puff pastry into a rectangle if needed.

Spread a thin layer of mustard over the pastry if using.

Arrange the ham slices evenly over the pastry.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the ham.

Starting from one long side, tightly roll the pastry into a log.

Place the log in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up.

Cut the log into slices about 2 cm thick.

Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each one.

Whisk the egg with water and brush the tops of the pinwheels.

Sprinkle with parsley or Italian seasoning if desired.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Method

Rolling the pastry tightly helps keep the pinwheels neat and prevents the filling from falling out.

Chilling the roll before slicing makes it easier to cut even pieces.

Brushing with egg wash gives the pinwheels a beautiful golden color and shiny finish.

Benefits

Quick and easy to prepare.

Perfect for parties, picnics, and lunch boxes.

Can be customized with different cheeses, meats, or vegetables.

A satisfying snack rich in protein and flavor.

Nutrition

Approximate values per pinwheel:

Calories: 120

Protein: 5 g

Carbohydrates: 8 g

Fat: 7 g

Fiber: 0.5 g

Sodium: 220 mg

Tips

Use cold puff pastry for the flakiest texture.

Try adding spinach, caramelized onions, or chopped herbs for extra flavor.

Freeze the unbaked pinwheels and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serve with honey mustard, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce for dipping.

Conclusion

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a simple yet impressive recipe that combines buttery pastry, savory ham, and gooey cheese in every bite. Whether you’re hosting guests or looking for a quick snack, these golden pinwheels are guaranteed to disappear fast.