Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels: A Savory Snack

When you need an appetizer that's quick, elegant, and guaranteed to be a hit, these Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are the perfect solution. They are the ultimate party snack or a simple lunchbox treat. With a flaky, buttery crust and a savory, gooey ham and cheese filling, these little bites are as delicious as they are easy to make.

The beauty of this recipe is that it uses store-bought puff pastry, which makes the process incredibly simple.1 The result is a stunning, spiral-shaped appetizer that looks like it took hours to make but comes together in just minutes.

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Yields: 24-30 pinwheels

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions2

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or mayonnaise)

  • 8 oz sliced deli ham, finely chopped

  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)3

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry & Filling

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).4 Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Unroll Pastry: Gently unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.

  3. Spread Mustard: Spread an even layer of Dijon mustard over the entire surface of the puff pastry, leaving a small border at one of the long ends.

  4. Add Ham & Cheese: Sprinkle the finely chopped ham, shredded cheese, and fresh thyme (if using) evenly over the mustard.

2. Roll and Slice

  1. Roll: Starting from the long end opposite the empty border, tightly roll the pastry into a log.

  2. Chill: Place the rolled log on a plate and chill in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. This is a crucial step that makes the pinwheels easier to slice without squishing them.

  3. Slice: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into ½-inch thick rounds.

3. Bake and Serve

  1. Arrange: Place the pinwheels flat on the prepared baking sheet.

  2. Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg.

  3. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  4. Cool: Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Pinwheel

  • Thaw Properly: Make sure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold. This will make it easier to work with.

  • The Chill is Key: Do not skip the chilling step! It makes a huge difference in the final shape of your pinwheels.

  • The Right Cheese: A good melting cheese like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss works best.

  • Customization: Feel free to get creative with your filling! You can swap the ham for bacon, add a sprinkle of garlic powder, or use a different cheese.

  • Serve Warm: These pinwheels are best served warm, when the cheese is still gooey and the pastry is flaky.