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Easy Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe with Puff Pastry

Easy Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe with Puff Pastry

Here’s a hearty party appetizer that’s a real crowd-pleaser! Pull out that box of frozen puff pastry to thaw and add a few cheese and ham slices, and you’ve got crisp, warm and melty Ham & Cheese Pinwheel snacks in no time! If you’re worried about rolling it all up, don’t be nervous: The photos and steps are right here for you.

Golden and cheesy ham and cheese puff pastry pinwheels, ideal for quick appetizers or a hot lunch.

Tips for making Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

  • The egg wash and everything bagel seasoning are optional
  • Dijon or honey mustard can be brushed over the pastry before adding the ham and cheese if desired.
  • The pinwheels are best served warm but are very good at room temperature as well.
  • Shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese can be used in place of the slices of provolone.
  • It might be tempting to add more cheese, but you want a balance of flavors. If you decide to add a bit of shredded cheddar, substitute a 1:1 ratio instead of just adding more.

Tips for storing

  • The pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They do not freeze well. 
  • Reheat one or two pinwheels at a time for 10 to 15 seconds. The edges will become hard and chewy if heated too long.

The Ingredients

  • Puff Pastry. This flaky dough is the perfect wrap for your ham and cheese pinwheel. It is light and airy but strong enough to stay together when baked. It is also really easy to work with. That said, it is different from phyllo dough, which is much thinner and more fragile. I don’t recommend using phyllo dough for this recipe.
  • Ham. For this, you want thin slices of ham, so if you get it from the deli counter, ask them to shave it or slice it super thin. You can get a package of thinly sliced ham from the lunch meat section.
  • Provolone Cheese. Here is where you can make a substitution if you desire. For example, you could use mozzarella cheese or Swiss cheese. Provolone is the best choice if you are shopping just to make this recipe.
  • Egg. In this recipe, the egg serves two purposes. Brushing your pastry with egg while help it get that perfect golden finish. It also helps seal the pastry. 
  • Everything Bagel Seasoning. You “can” live without this ingredient but I feel that it really adds to the overall flavor and texture.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

This is such a quick and simple recipe to put together. At first, it may seem like a lot but once you read these quick and easy steps, you will learn a secret:  Sometimes yummy delicious food is simple to create at home.

Step 1: Allow the puff pastry to thaw. The best way to do this is to put it in the fridge the night before so that it is thawed but still cold when you get ready to make this recipe.

Step 2: Unfold  the pastry sheets and put each one flat on a clean working surface so that you can build out the layers. Layer the ham first and then the cheese slices over the ham. Do this for both pastries.

Step 3: Start at one end of the pastry and with clean hands, roll into a log; repeat with the second pastry.

Step 4: Once the logs are rolled out, cut them into ¾-inch thick slices.

Step 5: Whisk together the egg and water. Then brush the mixture on each pinwheel slice. After that, sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning, if using.

Step 6: Bake the pinwheels in the oven until they are a crisp golden brown.

As you can see, these are really easy to make. Once you are done, you will have a hot appetizer to share or a hearty yet simple snack for yourself.

Ham and cheese pinwheels with buttery puff pastry, baked to perfection.

Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Yield: 12 pinwheels

Pull out that box of puff pastry and a few cheese and ham slices, and you’ve got crisp, warm and melty Ham & Cheese Pinwheel snacks in no time!

Ingredients

  • 1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 16 slices thin sliced deli ham
  • 16 slices provolone cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Everything Bagel seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or very lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
  2. Lay the two pieces of thawed puff pastry out flat on a clean work surface. Arrange 8 slices of ham on each piece of pastry so that it is mostly covered with the ham. Next, place 8 slices of cheese on each pastry over top of the ham.
  3. Start at one end of the pastry and roll tightly into a log; repeat with the second pastry.
  4. Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry logs into ¾-inch thick slices. Place each slice on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 1-inch between each.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Lightly brush the egg wash over top of each pinwheel (discard the leftover egg wash). Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning onto the top of each pinwheel, if desired.
  6. Bake the ham and cheese pinwheels at 375F for 18-22 minutes, until the pastry is puffy and turning golden brown around the edges. If your oven runs hot, start checking at the 15-minute mark. Cool slightly before serving.

Did you make this recipe?

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