Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a perfect savory snack or appetizer, combining flaky pastry with rich ham and melty cheese. They come together quickly and bake into golden, crispy bites that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 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 similar melty cheese (about 5 ounces)
• Chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or chives (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Step 2: Lay the thawed puff pastry sheets flat on a clean surface. Brush each sheet evenly with 1½ tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
3. Step 3: Place 6 slices of deli ham on each pastry sheet, covering the surface evenly. Sprinkle the freshly grated cheese evenly over the ham.
4. Step 4: Starting from one edge, carefully roll up each pastry sheet into a tight log or cylinder, making sure to seal the seam to prevent unrolling.
5. Step 5: Using a sharp knife, slice each rolled puff pastry into 1-inch wide pinwheels and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses for added flavor complexity, such as combining Gruyere with sharp cheddar.
• For a spicier kick, swap Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese.
• Make pinwheels ahead of time and freeze them on the baking sheet before baking; then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. These pinwheels are best enjoyed warm and fresh but can also be served at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh puff pastry instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh puff pastry works well. Just make sure it’s rolled out to the appropriate thickness and handle it gently to maintain its flakiness.

What other fillings can I use for these pinwheels?

Feel free to experiment with fillings like cooked spinach and feta, sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella, or even smoked salmon and cream cheese for different flavors.

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

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Delightful Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels featuring flaky puff pastry rolled with savory deli ham, creamy melted cheese, and a touch of tangy Dijon mustard. These golden, crispy pinwheels are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or party treats.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 24 pinwheels 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

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Puff Pastry and Spread

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed overnight in the refrigerator
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, divided

Fillings

• 12 slices thinly-sliced, good-quality deli ham (about 10 ounces)
• 2 cups freshly grated Gruyere, Swiss, fontina, sharp cheddar, or similar melty cheese (about 5 ounces)

Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or chives (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the puff pastry: Lay the thawed puff pastry sheets flat on a clean surface. Using a brush, evenly spread 1½ tablespoons of Dijon mustard on each sheet, ensuring full coverage for flavor.
3. Layer with ham and cheese: Evenly place 6 slices of deli ham over each mustard-coated pastry sheet. Then sprinkle 1 cup (about 2.5 ounces) of the freshly grated cheese over the ham to create a delicious, cheesy layer.
4. Roll the pastry: Carefully begin rolling each puff pastry sheet from one edge, forming a tight log or cylinder. Seal the seam well by pinching the edges to keep the roll intact during baking.
5. Slice into pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, slice each rolled log into 1-inch wide pinwheels. Place the pinwheels flat on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart to allow for puffing.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning and remove as soon as they are fully baked and puffed.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the pinwheels from the oven and allow to cool slightly for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or chives if desired. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Thaw puff pastry overnight in the refrigerator for best results; avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent sticking.
• Use high-quality deli ham and freshly grated cheese for optimal taste and melt.
• These pinwheels can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
• Feel free to substitute mustard with honey mustard or flavored spreads as preferred.

Keywords: ham and cheese pinwheels, puff pastry appetizers, savory snacks, party finger food, easy bake puff pastry recipes