Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 48 pinwheels 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer combining flaky, buttery puff pastry, savory ham, and melty cheese. These bite-sized treats are perfect for gatherings or as a quick snack. The Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor. Serve them warm or at room temperature for a crowd-pleasing option thatโ€™s simple yet elegant. Plus, they can be made ahead and frozen for easy entertaining.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Puff Pastry and Filling

  • 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed overnight in the refrigerator
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, divided
  • 12 slices thinly-sliced, good-quality deli ham (about 10 ounces)
  • 2 cups freshly grated Gruyere, Swiss, Fontina, sharp cheddar, or any melty cheese (about 5 ounces)
  • Chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or chives (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Puff Pastry
    Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. If needed, press two long sheets together to create a single larger sheet. Unfold the first sheet of puff pastry and place it in the center of the plastic. Roll the puff pastry into a 10ร—12-inch rectangle.
  2. Add the Mustard and Topping
    Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard over the puff pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides. Then, evenly layer 6 slices of ham over the mustard so they slightly overlap. Sprinkle 1 cup of grated cheese on top of the ham.
  3. Roll the Pastry
    Starting at the 12-inch-long side, roll the puff pastry tightly into a log. Trim the uneven edges, if any, and then wrap the log tightly with plastic wrap. Place the wrapped log in the refrigerator to chill for 20 minutes.
  4. Repeat with the Second Sheet
    Repeat steps 1โ€“3 with the second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining mustard, ham, and cheese.
  5. Preheat the Oven
    Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  6. Slice and Arrange
    Once chilled, remove the logs from the refrigerator. Using a sharp, serrated knife, carefully slice each log into 1/2-inch-wide rounds. This should yield 24 rolls per log, or 48 rolls in total. Arrange the slices 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Bake
    Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 18 minutes.
  8. Serve
    Immediately sprinkle the pinwheels with freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or chives if desired. Let them cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Make-Ahead Instructions: Bake the pinwheels fully, let them cool, and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 375ยฐF until warmed through. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked pinwheels, but take care to ensure the grated cheese stays intact.
  • Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375ยฐF oven to restore crispness.
  • Cheese Options: While Gruyere is recommended, feel free to use other melty cheeses like Fontina or sharp cheddar based on your preference.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
  • Calories: 70
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 140mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg