There’s something incredibly satisfying about the flaky layers of puff pastry paired with melted cheese and savory ham — and these Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels deliver just that! They’re golden, crisp, and full of flavor, making them perfect for breakfast, lunch, parties, or even as a snack with tea. The best part is how simple they are to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create an appetizer that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery.
Ingredients
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1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade), thawed but still cold
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6–8 slices of deli ham (thinly sliced)
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère)
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or honey mustard (optional)
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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A pinch of black pepper
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1 teaspoon dried parsley or chives (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Take your puff pastry sheet out of the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. It should be cool to the touch but flexible enough to roll out slightly. Using a rolling pin, gently roll it into a rectangle, about 10×12 inches, smoothing any creases from the fold lines.
If you’re using frozen puff pastry, allow it to thaw according to the package directions, usually about 30–40 minutes at room temperature. Avoid letting it get too warm, as the butter layers can soften, affecting how it puffs up in the oven.
Step 2: Add the Mustard and Ham
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry surface using the back of a spoon or a pastry brush. This layer adds a gentle tanginess that complements the salty ham and creamy cheese. You can skip the mustard or replace it with honey mustard or cream cheese for a milder flavor.
Lay the ham slices over the mustard, slightly overlapping them to ensure the pastry is fully covered. If your ham slices are large, cut or fold them to fit neatly on the pastry sheet.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Season
Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the ham layer. You can use sharp cheddar for a bold taste, mozzarella for a stretchy, gooey texture, or Gruyère for a sophisticated flavor. A mix of cheeses also works beautifully.
Season lightly with black pepper to enhance the taste, and add a touch of dried parsley or chives if you’d like a hint of color and freshness.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Now comes the fun part — rolling! Starting from one long side, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log, similar to a jelly roll. Try to keep the roll even so the pinwheels bake uniformly.
Once rolled, use a sharp knife to trim off the uneven ends, then slice the log into ½-inch thick rounds. You should get around 10–12 pinwheels from one pastry sheet. For cleaner cuts, chill the roll in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before slicing; this helps the layers stay intact.
Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking tray, leaving about an inch of space between each one to allow for puffing.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops and edges of each pinwheel with beaten egg. This step gives the pastry a gorgeous golden shine once baked.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed up and golden brown. The cheese should be melted and bubbling, while the pastry should feel crisp to the touch.
Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the tray for about 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are incredibly versatile. You can serve them:
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Warm for breakfast with scrambled eggs and fruit.
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As a party appetizer, arranged neatly on a platter with a small bowl of dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or garlic aioli.
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For lunch, pair them with a crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato soup.
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As a quick snack, they taste just as good at room temperature, making them perfect for lunchboxes or picnics.
They can also be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to regain their crispness.
Tips for Perfect Pinwheels
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Keep the pastry cold – Cold pastry puffs better. If it gets too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before rolling or slicing.
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Avoid overfilling – Too much cheese or ham can cause the pinwheels to burst or leak during baking.
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Try different fillings – You can use turkey and Swiss cheese, spinach and feta, or pepperoni and mozzarella for fun variations.
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Freeze before baking – These pinwheels can be assembled and frozen. Simply freeze the unbaked slices on a tray until firm, transfer them to a freezer bag, and bake directly from frozen for an extra 2–3 minutes.
Conclusion
These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are the perfect combination of buttery pastry, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese. They’re easy to prepare, visually appealing, and sure to impress guests or family alike. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, packing a snack, or preparing something special for the holidays, these pinwheels will always be a crowd-pleaser.
