Irresistible Ham & Cheese Pinwheels – Ready in 20 Minutes!
Introduction
Whip up a batch of these Irresistible Ham & Cheese Pinwheels for a savory, crowd-pleasing snack that’s as easy as it is delicious. With golden, flaky pastry wrapped around layers of smoky ham and melty cheese, these pinwheels are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a quick appetizer. Their bite-sized shape makes them ideal for sharing — and they’ll disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love These Ham & Cheese Pinwheels
These pinwheels strike a perfect balance between comfort food and convenience. With just a handful of common ingredients and a 20-minute prep-to-table time, they deliver gooey melted cheese and savory ham encased in crisp pastry with every bite. They’re versatile – pair them with soup, serve at brunch, or bring to potlucks, and watch them become the star of the occasion.
The Secret to Perfect Pinwheels
Start with store-bought puff pastry to save time without compromising on texture. Be sure to use good-quality ham and your favorite cheese—cheddar and Swiss work beautifully. For best results, sprinkle a touch of Dijon mustard or honey for a boost of flavor, and roll the pinwheels tightly before slicing for even baking and a professional look.
How to Assemble and Bake
Lay the thawed puff pastry on a flat surface and brush lightly with mustard. Cover with slices of ham, sprinkle generously with grated cheese, and roll into a tight log. Slice the log into even rounds, arrange them on a baking sheet, and bake until golden brown and bubbly.
Serving Ideas
Serve these pinwheels warm straight from the oven, paired with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce. They’re perfect as a light lunch with soup, an after-school snack, or even as a party appetizer. For extra flair, sprinkle fresh herbs or a touch of cracked black pepper on top before serving.
Nutritional Information & Serving Size
This recipe yields about 12 pinwheels, with each serving containing approximately 120–140 calories (based on puff pastry, standard ham, and cheddar cheese). Enjoy them as an occasional treat or as a filling snack option.
Irresistible Ham & Cheese Pinwheels (Recap)
If you’re looking for a savory, flaky, and ultra-satisfying snack, these Ham & Cheese Pinwheels check every box. They’re flavorful, quick to prepare, and guaranteed to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Spread the Dijon mustard evenly (if using).
- Evenly layer the ham slices over the pastry, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Starting on a long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal rounds.
- Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, brush lightly with beaten egg, and sprinkle with herbs or black pepper if desired.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until they’re puffed and deep golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Weekly Meal Planning
These Ham & Cheese Pinwheels are fantastic for prepping ahead or slotting into your weeknight rotation. Save and schedule this recipe to organize your meal calendar and have tailored shopping lists for all your planned meals.
Planning Benefits:
– Automatically total up all ingredients across your recipes
– Group shopping lists by grocery store aisles
– Avoid duplicate purchases and missing ingredients
– Streamline your meal prep for the week
Pro tip: When prepping for a busy week, let CookifyAI cross-reference recipes so you can buy in bulk and waste less, e.g., the same batch of ham or cheese can be used in these pinwheels and a breakfast casserole.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes