The flour always gets me. It is like a snowfall in July, settling on the countertops and clinging to the edges of the cutting board. Today, I was wrestling with a sheet of puff pastry, trying to get it rolled out for these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels. If you are looking for other quick bites, check out our 101 Delicious Spinach Mushroom Scrambled Eggs for a Quick Brunch.
My husband just chuckled from the doorway. He knows better than to try and help when I am in this kind of flour-dusted zone. This recipe is inspired by the classic Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe that many home cooks adore.
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Honestly, who doesn’t love something that is both cheesy and meaty and wrapped in flaky pastry? These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are ridiculously easy.
You get maximum impact for minimal effort, which is kind of our jam here at TodayMeal. They are perfectly portioned and disappear fast.
Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
We keep the ingredient list short and sweet. It is part of what makes these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels so approachable.
Dry Ingredients
Frozen puff pastry, thawed. We want the puff pastry to be pliable, not sticky. Let it thaw on the counter for about 20-30 minutes.
Wet Ingredients
Dijon mustard. A tablespoon is a good starting point. It adds a little zing that cuts through the richness.
For the Filling
Deli ham slices. Thin slices are key here for a nice, even roll. We suggest about 7 slices.
Mild Cheddar cheese slices. Again, thin slices are your friend. They melt beautifully throughout the roll.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Get your oven preheating to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Lay your thawed puff pastry on a floured surface. Roll it out into a nice rectangle and spread the Dijon mustard evenly, leaving an inch border.
Layer the cheese and ham slices on top. Roll the pastry tightly like a rug, seal the edge, and slice into 1/4-inch rounds.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Tips for The Best Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Don’t overwork the puff pastry. If it gets too warm, it becomes sticky. If it feels greasy, pop the log in the fridge for 15 minutes.
Use a sharp knife for clean slices. If you want more appetizer ideas, try our 15-Minute Gruyere Mushroom Puff Pastry Bites: Easy Appetizer!
Variations to Try
Try a smear of pesto instead of mustard. Swap the ham for turkey or add caramelized onions for extra depth.
The cheese can be swapped for Swiss or Gruyere. It is all about finding what your family loves most.
Regarding health benefits, while these are an indulgence, you can learn more about general nutrition at WebMD – Better information. Better health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make ham and cheese pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and refrigerate them for several hours before baking. You can also bake them and reheat them later for best results.
What kind of ham is best for pinwheels?
Deli ham slices work best for this recipe as they are thin and easy to roll. You can use any variety you prefer, such as Black Forest or smoked ham.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Mild Cheddar is suggested, but Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella would also be delicious in these ham and cheese pinwheels.
How do I store leftover ham and cheese pinwheels?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up.
Hope you give them a try next time you need something easy and delicious. Back to dealing with this flour dust.
– The TodayMeal Kitchen Team
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 0.5 package frozen puff pastry 17.5 ounce package, thawed
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or more to taste
- 7 slices deli ham
- 7 slices mild Cheddar cheese or as needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dust a flat work surface lightly with flour. Unroll puff pastry and roll out to a rectangle. Spread with mustard and cover with Cheddar cheese slices, leaving a 1-inch border. Add a layer of ham slices on top. Roll puff pastry up tightly like a jelly roll.
- Slice puff pastry roll in 1/4-inch-thick slices and lay on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven on the center rack until lightly browned and puffed up, 15 to 20 minutes.