Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
