Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for any occasion. These flaky puff pastry bites filled with savory ham and melted cheese offer a satisfying snack that’s sure to please guests and family alike.

The image shows several savory pinwheel pastries arranged in neat rows on a white platter in the background, with two pinwheels placed on a small white plate in the front. Each pinwheel has a golden-brown outer crust with visible layers of flaky dough. Inside the swirls, there is a reddish filling mixed with bits of green herbs, giving a slightly textured and colorful look. The background surface is a white marbled texture, and a red cloth is partly visible in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) finely chopped ham
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (½ ounce) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Egg wash, optional (see Tips)
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Roll the puff pastry into a 10 x 12-inch rectangle. Spread the Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle the chopped ham and shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the mustard-covered pastry.
  4. Step 4: Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry jelly-roll style. Trim the ends to neaten, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove the chilled roll from the refrigerator and slice into ½-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
  6. Step 6: If using, brush the pinwheels with egg wash and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
  7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
  8. Step 8: Remove from the oven, garnish with minced parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • You may substitute 4 ounces of sliced deli ham for the chopped ham if preferred.
  • Try using Gruyére or Cheddar cheese instead of Swiss for a different flavor.
  • To make an egg wash, whisk together 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of water to brush on the pinwheels before baking for a golden finish.
  • You can bake the pinwheels ahead of time and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Omit parsley garnish until ready to serve.

Storage

Store baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes until heated through and crisp. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Serve

A silver baking tray holds about twenty round, small pinwheel pastries arranged in rows. Each pastry has two visible layers: the outer layer is a light golden, flaky crust with slightly uneven edges, while the inner layer is a darker brown, spiced filling with melted cheese scattered inside. The pastries vary slightly in size and some cheese bits are melted on the tray. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of mustard?

Yes, feel free to use whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Can these be made vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables along with the cheese for a tasty alternative.

Print

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry filled with Dijon mustard, finely chopped ham, and shredded Swiss cheese. Baked until golden with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, they make a perfect party snack or savory treat for any occasion.

  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 24 Ham and Cheese Pinwheels 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry Base

  • 1 sheet Puff Pastry, thawed

Filling

  • 1 ½ Tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup (4-ounces) finely chopped ham
  • 1 cup (4-ounces) shredded Swiss cheese

Topping & Garnish

  • 2 Tablespoons (½-ounce) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Egg wash, optional (1 egg whisked with 1 teaspoon water)
  • 2 Tablespoons finely minced parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
  2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 10 x 12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.
  3. Add Filling: Evenly sprinkle the finely chopped ham and shredded Swiss cheese over the mustard-covered pastry, ensuring full coverage for every bite.
  4. Roll and Chill: Starting at one of the long edges, carefully roll the puff pastry into a jelly-roll shape. Trim the ends for neatness, then wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up and make slicing easier.
  5. Slice and Arrange: Remove the roll from the fridge and cut into ½-inch thick slices. Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for expansion during baking.
  6. Egg Wash and Parmesan: If using, brush the tops of the pinwheels lightly with the egg wash to promote a golden color, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each slice for added flavor and a crispy topping.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry turns golden brown and the cheese melts and bubbles.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the finely minced parsley if desired. Serve warm as an appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • You can substitute the finely chopped ham with 4 ounces of sliced deli ham chopped into small pieces for convenience.
  • Alternative cheeses such as Gruyére or Cheddar can be used in place of Swiss cheese for varied flavor profiles.
  • To make the egg wash, simply whisk together one egg and one teaspoon of water for a shiny and golden finish.
  • These pinwheels can be baked ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days or frozen. When reheating, add the parsley garnish fresh just before serving.

Keywords: Ham and Cheese Pinwheels, Puff Pastry Appetizer, Easy Party Snacks, Baked Ham Rolls, Swiss Cheese Snacks

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