A Delicious Snack for Any Occasion!
Flaky, buttery pastry wrapped around savory ham and gooey cheese—an irresistible appetizer or snack!
Looking for an easy yet impressive recipe to serve at your next gathering or to enjoy as a family snack? These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are just the thing! With their golden, flaky crust and flavorful filling, these pinwheels are a crowd-pleaser that disappears in minutes.
Not only are they quick and simple to make, but they also require just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a lunchbox, or looking for a last-minute appetizer, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a go-to for many reasons:
Puff Pastry Magic: The pre-made puff pastry gives you buttery, flaky layers without the hassle of making dough from scratch.
Customizable Filling: Ham and cheese are a classic combination, but you can easily swap them for other fillings to suit your taste.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and just a few steps, these pinwheels are ready to bake in minutes.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Here’s a breakdown of the simple ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious pinwheels.
Ingredients:
Puff Pastry: 1 sheet (about 250 g), thawed – Look for high-quality frozen puff pastry for the best results.
Ham: 150 g (about 6 slices), thinly sliced – Choose your favorite deli ham or use leftover cooked ham.
Cheese: 1 cup (100 g), shredded – Cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese work well, but feel free to use your favorite.
Egg Wash: 1 egg, beaten – This helps give the pinwheels their beautiful golden-brown finish.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Follow these simple steps to whip up a batch of pinwheels that are as easy to make as they are delicious:
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases.
Step 2: Add the Filling
Lay the ham slices evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the ham.
Step 3: Roll It Up
Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll the puff pastry into a log. Use a bit of water or egg wash along the edge to seal the roll.
Step 4: Slice the Pinwheels
Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into ½-inch thick pinwheels. Place them cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash
Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg. This will help them bake to a beautiful golden brown.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips + Tricks for Perfect Pinwheels
Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Cold pastry is easier to work with and will puff up better in the oven. If it starts to get too soft while assembling, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes.
Use Thinly Sliced Ham: Thin slices of ham roll more easily and create a balanced filling.
Shred Your Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese works fine, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
Prevent Soggy Pastry: Avoid overloading the pastry with too much filling, as this can make the pinwheels soggy.
Customize the Flavor: Add a smear of Dijon mustard or cream cheese to the pastry before adding the ham and cheese for extra flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels check all the boxes for a great snack or appetizer:
Flaky and Buttery: The puff pastry bakes up light, golden, and irresistibly flaky.
Savory and Cheesy: The combination of ham and melted cheese is a match made in heaven.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These pinwheels are great for parties, picnics, or even a quick lunch.
Easy to Make Ahead: You can assemble the pinwheels ahead of time and bake them fresh when needed.
Serving Suggestions
These pinwheels are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even better:
Dipping Sauces: Serve with honey mustard, marinara sauce, or a creamy ranch dip.
Party Platter: Add them to a charcuterie board or appetizer spread with veggies and dips.
Lunchbox Treat: Pack them in a lunchbox with some fresh fruit and a small salad.
Brunch Buffet: Pair them with fresh fruit, quiches, and mimosas for a brunch-worthy spread.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are some fun variations to inspire you:
Turkey and Swiss: Swap out the ham for turkey and use Swiss cheese for a classic deli combo.
Spinach and Feta: Spread a layer of spinach and sprinkle with crumbled feta for a vegetarian option.
Pizza Pinwheels: Use marinara sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella for a pizza-inspired twist.
Breakfast Pinwheels: Add scrambled eggs, cooked bacon, and cheddar for a breakfast version.
Sweet Pinwheels: For a sweet treat, replace the ham and cheese with Nutella or cinnamon sugar.
Final Thoughts
These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a simple yet impressive recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flaky pastry, savory filling, and endless customization options, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or lunchbox treat, these pinwheels are guaranteed to disappear in minutes. So, grab your puff pastry, ham, and cheese, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat!
Let us know if you try this recipe or put your own spin on it—we’d love to hear about your creations!