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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Calibrate the oven to 400F (200C) with the rack positioned centrally. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for seamless release.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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