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 thatโs 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
- 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 10ร12-inch rectangle. - 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. - 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. - Repeat with the Second Sheet
Repeat steps 1โ3 with the second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining mustard, ham, and cheese. - Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. - 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. - 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. - 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