Warm & Gooey Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Rolled with delightful layers of melted cheese and savory ham, these baked ham and cheese pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that never disappoints.

Soft, buttery pastry wraps around a delectable filling that promises pure comfort in every bite.

The golden-brown spirals emerge from the oven with a crisp exterior and a warm, gooey center.

Each pinwheel delivers a perfect balance of salty ham and rich, creamy cheese.

Kids and adults alike will devour these delicious little rolls faster than you can plate them.

Quick to assemble and even quicker to disappear, these pinwheels are the ultimate party snack or casual lunch companion.

Dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe that will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

What’s Inside Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

• Puff Pastry: Delicate, buttery layer that creates a flaky, golden exterior with crisp texture, choose all-butter variety for richer flavor.
• Flour: Helps prevent sticking when rolling pastry, use light dusting to ensure smooth preparation.

• Cream Cheese: Provides smooth, tangy base that binds ingredients, select full-fat version for richer consistency.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds zesty kick and depth of flavor, opt for smooth, high-quality mustard for best results.

• Ham, Cheddar Cheese: Classic combination bringing robust, salty notes to pinwheels, choose high-quality deli ham and sharp cheddar for maximum flavor punch.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and enhances overall seasoning, freshly ground offers more vibrant taste.

Tools You’ll Need For Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

• Rolling Pin: Essential for smoothing out puff pastry creases and creating an even surface.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for slicing the rolled log into neat, uniform pinwheel pieces.
• Baking Sheet: Provides a sturdy, flat surface for baking pinwheels evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup after baking.
• Medium Bowl: Ideal for mixing cream cheese and Dijon mustard smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure mustard and seasonings.
• Cutting Board: Offers a clean workspace for rolling and slicing pastry.

How To Prepare Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

• Pastry Preparation

Gently unfold the soft, flaky pastry sheet on a clean countertop. Smooth out any wrinkles with a gentle roll of the rolling pin.

• Creamy Spread

Mix cream cheese with a touch of zesty mustard until silky and spreadable. Dollop the mixture across the pastry, leaving a tiny border around the edges.

• Savory Layer

Scatter tender ham pieces across the creamy base. Sprinkle a generous layer of sharp cheese over the ham, adding a crack of black pepper for extra kick.

• Rolling Magic

Carefully roll the pastry from one long side, creating a tight spiral packed with delicious fillings. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into bite-sized rounds.

• Golden Transformation

Arrange the twirls on a baking sheet, giving each piece space to crisp up. Slide into a hot oven and bake until the pastry turns golden and the cheese becomes wonderfully melted and bubbly.

• Serving Delight

Let the twirls rest for a few moments after baking. Serve warm and watch them disappear quickly at your gathering.

Tips To Make Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels Better

• Pinwheel Perfection Pro Tips
• Chilled Dough Magic: Keep puff pastry cold before rolling to ensure crisp, flaky layers that puff beautifully during baking.
• Ham Swap Strategy: Experiment with different deli meats like turkey, salami, or prosciutto for unique flavor combinations that jazz up the classic recipe.
• Cheese Adventure: Mix cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or pepper jack to create exciting taste profiles that elevate the basic pinwheel.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace traditional puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or large tortillas for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining delicious taste and texture.

Fun Ways To Serve Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange pinwheels on a beautiful wooden board with small bowls of extra mustard or herb dips for guests to enjoy.
• Brunch Buddy: Serve alongside a fresh mixed green salad or fruit medley for a complete breakfast or weekend gathering spread.
• Dipping Delights: Prepare quick complementary sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or garlic aioli to enhance the pinwheels' flavor profile and provide extra excitement.
• Cocktail Companion: Pair these bite-sized treats with light white wine, sparkling prosecco, or crisp craft beer for an elegant appetizer experience during social gatherings.

How To Store Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

• Tasty Leftovers Strategy: Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container within the refrigerator, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days. Enjoy these delights chilled or gently reheated in the oven for crispy texture.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Warm pinwheels at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispiness. Avoid microwave heating to prevent soggy pastry and maintain the delicate flaky layers.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare rolled and sliced pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate before baking. This method allows for convenient party preparation and stress-free entertaining.
• Freezing Potential: Wrap unbaked pinwheels individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and bake directly from chilled state, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 335 kcal

Servings: 7

Crispy Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cheese-packed ham and cheese pinwheels deliver a delightful twist on classic appetizers. Rolled with savory ham, melted cheese, and flaky pastry, these bite-sized treats promise quick satisfaction for casual gatherings you’ll definitely enjoy.

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Ingredients

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• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 8.5 oz/241 g), thawed
• 6 oz (170 g) sliced deli ham, chopped
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Calibrate the oven to 400F (200C) with the rack positioned centrally. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for seamless release.
2. Pastry Foundation: Unroll the thawed puff pastry onto a flour-dusted surface. Smooth the pastry with a rolling pin to create an even rectangular surface.
3. Flavor Infusion: Blend cream cheese and Dijon mustard into a silky mixture. Spread the zesty concoction across the pastry, leaving a narrow border to prevent spillage.
4. Layering Technique: Distribute ham pieces evenly over the cream cheese base. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface and dust with freshly cracked black pepper for enhanced depth.
5. Rolling and Cutting: From the longest edge, tightly roll the pastry into a compact log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into approximately 12 uniform pinwheel sections.
6. Baking Process: Position pinwheels cut-side upward on the prepared sheet, ensuring space between each piece. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry achieves a golden, crisp exterior with molten cheese bubbling at the edges.
7. Serving: Allow a brief cooling interval before presenting these warm, flaky delicacies that showcase a harmonious blend of creamy, savory elements.

Notes

• Prevent Soggy Pastry: Pat ham slices dry with paper towels before layering to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and flaky puff pastry texture.
• Cheese Distribution Trick: Shred cheese finely and spread evenly to guarantee consistent melting and prevent cheese pooling in specific areas.
• Rolling Technique: Roll the pastry log tightly and use a sharp serrated knife for clean, precise pinwheel cuts that maintain their structural integrity during baking.
• Temperature Control: Let pinwheels rest for 5 minutes after baking to stabilize the filling and prevent burning your mouth while allowing cheese to set perfectly.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 768mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 61mg