Description
These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring flaky puff pastry filled with savory ham and melted cheese. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or quick bites, they combine buttery pastry with flavorful deli ham and your choice of cheese, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 3–4 slices deli ham (thinly sliced)
- ¾ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
For Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Roll Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 10×12-inch rectangle, creating an even surface for layering the fillings.
- Spread Mustard: If desired, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry to add extra flavor.
- Layer Ham: Arrange the thinly sliced deli ham evenly over the mustard-covered pastry, ensuring full coverage but not overlapping excessively.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the ham layer, which will melt beautifully during baking.
- Roll Pastry: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the pastry into a log to encase the fillings securely.
- Slice Pinwheels: Cut the rolled log into ½-inch thick rounds to form individual pinwheels and place them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the beaten egg to create a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly before serving warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can vary the cheese type according to your preference, such as using Swiss for a nuttier flavor or mozzarella for a mild, melty texture.
- Dijon mustard adds a nice tang but can be omitted if you prefer a milder taste.
- Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled but pliable to prevent tearing while rolling.
- These pinwheels can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Reheat leftovers in a warm oven to maintain the crispness of the pastry.
