Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Instructions: How to Make Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the pinwheels from sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a clean surface. If it’s too cold and hard to work with, let it sit out for a few minutes to soften up. Once it’s pliable, gently roll it out to smooth any creases.
3. Spread Mustard (Optional): If you like a bit of extra flavor, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the surface of the pastry. This step is optional, but it adds a nice tangy kick that pairs well with the ham and cheese.
4. Layer the Ham and Cheese: Evenly distribute the sliced ham across the puff pastry. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the ham, ensuring it covers the whole surface of the pastry. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste.
5. Roll It Up: Carefully roll the puff pastry sheet from one edge to the other, forming a log or cylinder. Be gentle when rolling to avoid tearing the pastry. Once rolled up, use a sharp knife to slice the log into about 1-inch wide pinwheels.
6. Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the pinwheels. This will give them a golden, crispy finish when baked.
7. Bake the Pinwheels: Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the cheese is melted.
8. Serve: Once baked, remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

• Use High-Quality Ham: Since ham is the star ingredient, use good-quality deli ham or even leftover holiday ham for the best flavor.
• Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, try mixing different cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella for added depth of flavor.
• Add Herbs or Spices: You can elevate the flavor of your pinwheels by adding dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley. A sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder can also give them an extra savory kick.
• Make Them Ahead: These pinwheels can be made ahead of time! Simply prepare them up until the point of baking, and refrigerate the rolled pinwheels. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven directly from the fridge (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time).
• Serve with Dipping Sauces: For an extra touch, serve the pinwheels with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

Variations on Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

While the classic ham and cheese combination is always a winner, here are some variations you can try:

• Turkey and Cranberry: Perfect for the holidays, swap out the ham for turkey slices and add a little cranberry sauce for a festive twist.
• Vegetarian Pinwheels: Skip the meat and use sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and cheese for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Add Veggies: To make your pinwheels a bit heartier, you can add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach inside the roll.
• Spicy Ham and Cheese: Add some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the ham and cheese filling for a spicy kick.

Why These Pinwheels Are Perfect for Any Occasion

These ham and cheese puff pastry pinwheels are incredibly versatile and work for almost any event:

• Appetizers: Serve them as a starter at your next dinner party or holiday gathering.
• Game Day Snacks: These bite-sized treats are perfect for game day or any casual get-together with friends.
• Lunch or Dinner: Pair them with a simple salad or soup for a delicious and easy lunch or dinner.
• Picnics: These pinwheels are portable, making them a great option for a picnic or outdoor event.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can make a large batch of these pinwheels, freeze them before baking, and then bake them from frozen whenever you need a quick snack.

Conclusion

Ham and cheese puff pastry pinwheels are the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and versatility. With just a few ingredients, you can create a snack that will impress guests and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just need a quick and delicious snack, these pinwheels are sure to hit the spot. So, gather your ingredients, roll up the dough, and enjoy these flaky, cheesy, savory treats!