These elegant ham and cheese puff pastry pinwheels are the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, offering a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both visually impressive and incredibly tasty.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (approximately 250g), thawed
- 150g (6 slices) ham, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your preferred variety)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (chopped parsley or chives)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Optional: Dijon mustard or herb seasoning
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Thaw the puff pastry sheet at room temperature for 15-20 minutes until pliable but still cool.
- Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (optional) across the pastry.
- Arrange ham slices evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the ham.
- If using, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs and black pepper.
- Carefully roll the pastry tightly from one long side to the other, creating a log.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
- Place pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Nutritional Information
Per Pinwheel (approximately):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes Total Time: 35-40 minutes Servings: 12-15 pinwheels
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Keep puff pastry cold until ready to use
- Use a serrated knife for clean, even cuts
- Don’t overload with filling to prevent unrolling
- Ensure pastry is fully thawed but still cool
- Space pinwheels slightly apart on baking sheet
Possible Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian: Replace ham with roasted vegetables
- Different Cheeses: Try Swiss, gouda, or pepper jack
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños
- Herb Variations: Experiment with rosemary or thyme
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free puff pastry
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I prepare these in advance? Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q2: How do I store leftovers? Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat in oven.
Q3: Can I freeze these pinwheels? Freeze unbaked pinwheels for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen.
Q4: What can I serve with these? Great with salad, as appetizers, or party snacks.
Q5: Can I use a different type of pastry? Phyllo or crescent roll dough can work, but texture will vary.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Cool completely before storing
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
- Best consumed within 2-3 days
- Reheat in oven to maintain crispiness
Enjoy these irresistible ham and cheese puff pastry pinwheels – a guaranteed hit at any gathering!