These ham and cheese pinwheels are easy to whip up and perfect for any gathering! Just roll up tasty ham and creamy cheese in soft tortillas, slice, and serve!
They look so cute on a plate, and they disappear quickly! I like to serve them with a side of mustard or ranch for extra fun. Trust me, everyone will love them! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This dough is what gives the pinwheels their flaky texture. If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use crescent roll dough instead, but the texture will be a bit different.
Deli Ham: I recommend using a nice quality ham for better flavor. If you’re vegetarian, feel free to swap in spinach or roasted vegetables for a delicious alternative!
Cheese: Cheddar is fantastic, but you can try mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Fancy it up with some blue cheese if you like bold flavors!
Herbs: Italian herbs add a nice touch. If you have fresh herbs like basil or oregano, go ahead and use those! A sprinkle of garlic powder can also enhance the taste.
How Do I Roll and Cut the Pinwheels Perfectly?
Rolling the puff pastry correctly is key! You want to keep it tight for beautifully formed pinwheels. Here’s how:
- After spreading your filling, roll the pastry firmly but gently starting from one long edge.
- Use a clean kitchen towel to help you hold the roll if needed.
- When cutting, a sharp knife works best. Avoid sawing; instead, press down to achieve clean cuts.
Keeping an even thickness while cutting will help each pinwheel bake uniformly. You can also chill the rolled log in the fridge for a bit if it seems too soft to handle.
How to Make Delicious Ham And Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 6-8 slices of deli ham
- 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or dried parsley
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or mayonnaise for spreading
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. Overall, you can have these delightful pinwheels ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper so the pinwheels won’t stick.
2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
Take your puff pastry sheet out and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out a bit with a rolling pin to smooth it out, making it easier to work with.
3. Spread the Base:
If you’d like, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard or mayonnaise over the pastry. This step adds a burst of flavor that complements the ham and cheese!
4. Add Ham and Cheese:
Lay the slices of deli ham evenly across the puff pastry. Make sure to cover as much of the surface as you can. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the ham. Feel free to be generous!
5. Season It Up:
Sprinkle your choice of dried Italian herbs or parsley on top of the cheese for extra flavor. This will make each bite taste delicious!
6. Roll It Up:
Starting from one long side, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log. This helps make the pinwheel shape.
7. Slice the Log:
Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into slices about ½ inch thick. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—each one will still taste great!
8. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place each pinwheel cut side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Ensure there’s about an inch of space between each one to allow for puffing up as they bake.
9. Egg Wash for Shine:
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it lightly over the tops of the pinwheels. This will give them a beautiful golden finish when baked.
10. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they are puffed up, golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They are absolutely scrumptious warm or at room temperature!
Enjoy your delicious ham and cheese pinwheels as a snack or appetizer. They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Dough Instead of Puff Pastry?
Absolutely! You can use crescent roll dough for a quicker option, though the texture will be slightly different. Just roll it out similarly and proceed with the recipe as usual.
What Can I Substitute for Deli Ham?
For a meatless alternative, consider using roasted vegetables or a flavorful spread like hummus. If you prefer another meat, turkey or salami would work well too!
How to Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to keep them crispy!
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels up to the baking step a day in advance. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
