Introduction

Hot Ham and Cheese Pinwheels make for a delicious and elegant appetizer or snack. These flaky puff pastry spirals are packed with savory ham, sharp cheddar, and Swiss cheese, seasoned for extra flavor. Perfect for parties or a cozy treat, they’re easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

The image shows five round, golden-brown pastry rolls arranged on a white plate, each with three visible layers. The outer layer is a light, flaky dough with slightly crisp, browned edges. Inside, there is a middle layer of melted, creamy cheese that glistens with a smooth texture. The innermost layer is thin slices of ham, pale pink and spiraled neatly within the cheese and dough. Small green herb pieces are scattered on top of each roll, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry (from a 17.3-ounce package), thawed
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
8 ounces thin-sliced premium ham
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
Pinch of salt
Poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning for topping (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions until it is pliable but still cold. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pastry to approximately 10 by 12 inches.
Step 2: Brush the melted butter over the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border along one long edge. Spread the Dijon mustard in a thin layer over the buttered surface.
Step 3: Layer the ham slices evenly across the pastry, slightly overlapping them. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Swiss cheeses evenly over the ham.
Step 4: Sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and chopped chives over the cheese layer.
Step 5: Starting from the long edge opposite the clean border, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Brush the clean edge with water to seal the roll, then place it seam-side down.
Step 6: Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a serrated knife, slice the chilled roll into ½-inch thick rounds.
Step 8: Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on the baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 9: Beat the egg with water and a pinch of salt to make an egg wash. Brush it over the tops and sides of the pinwheels. If desired, sprinkle poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning on top.
Step 10: Bake the pinwheels for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.
Step 11: Let the pinwheels cool on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh chives and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
Swap the ham for cooked bacon or prosciutto for different flavors.
Use a mix of your favorite cheeses, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for variety.
If puff pastry is unavailable, phyllo dough can be a lighter alternative but requires more layers.
Make pinwheels ahead and freeze them unbaked; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Storage

Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to keep the pastry crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows several ham and cheese pinwheel rolls arranged closely on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each roll has around four to five spiral layers: the outermost dough layer is golden brown with a slight crisp texture, the middle creamy layer of melted cheese is smooth and light yellow, and inside is a pink slice of ham curled in the center. Tiny black and green herbs are sprinkled evenly on the tops of each roll, adding texture and color contrast. The rolls have a soft, fluffy look on the sides with a shiny glaze on top. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works beautifully and will give the pinwheels a lovely flaky texture. Just make sure it is well chilled before rolling and assembling.

Can these pinwheels be served cold?

They are best enjoyed warm when the cheese is melty and the pastry is crisp. However, they can be served at room temperature if needed and still taste delicious.