Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Ham and cheese pinwheels always steal the show at every party I host. Their flaky pastry and melty cheese with a tangy mustard sauce make them a snack no one can resist. Whether you need an easy appetizer for gatherings or a savory treat for your family movie night these pinwheels deliver every time and barely take any effort.

The very first time I made these was for a holiday brunch and since then my husband requests them for every football game. The crispy edges and gooey center are just impossible to forget.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry dough: Thawed and ready to roll it forms the perfect golden crust Look for dough with real butter for best flavor
• Deli ham: Go for high quality thinly sliced ham that is not overly wet Black Forest or honey ham both work well
• Gruyere cheese: Shredded for easy melting Gruyere adds a nutty deep flavor Freshly shredding from the block gives the meltiest results
• Honey: A touch of sweetness in the mustard sauce Try to pick local honey for extra flavor
• Dijon mustard: Classic tang and sharpness goes so well with cheese
• Granulated garlic: Adds an extra savory note Choose a fresh container for the most potency
• Pinch salt and pepper: For seasoning the honey mustard mixture
• Egg wash: Egg whisked with milk makes the pinwheels glossy and golden Pick a farm fresh egg if you can

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Pan:

Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set it aside so nothing sticks

Make Honey Mustard:

Combine honey dijon mustard granulated garlic salt and pepper in a bowl whisk until creamy and smooth

Create Egg Wash:

In a separate bowl beat together an egg and the milk until frothy and well blended

Assemble the Pastry:

Lay a piece of parchment paper on your cutting board Unroll the thawed puff pastry and evenly spread the honey mustard over the surface Sprinkle the shredded cheese all the way to the edges then layer ham slices across the top

Roll it Up:

Using the parchment to help you carefully roll the pastry tightly into a log When you reach the end gently pinch the seams shut to seal

Slice Pinwheels:

With a sharp knife cut the log into one inch wide slices Wipe your blade between cuts for cleaner edges

Arrange and Egg Wash:

Place each slice cut side up on the prepared pan Brush the tops and edges generously with egg wash for that shine

Bake:

Slide the tray into the oven at 350 degrees fahrenheit and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they are puffed and golden and the cheese is bubbling

Serve Hot:

Allow the pinwheels to cool for a couple of minutes then serve up while the cheese is gooey

Pin it

Gruyere is honestly my favorite part of this recipe The way it melts alongside the honey mustard just makes every bite so rich and satisfying My daughter loves putting the cheese on herself and always asks to help with the rolling at family get togethers

Storage Tips

Once baked let your pinwheels cool completely before storing Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Leftovers reheat well in a low oven or toaster oven until crisp on the outside and warmed through I usually avoid microwaving because the pastry can get soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

Not a fan of ham Try turkey chicken or even thinly sliced salami Any melty cheese works well including cheddar swiss or mozzarella If you want a touch more heat swap regular dijon for spicy brown mustard

Serving Suggestions

These pinwheels are a natural match for brunch tables party platters or casual family dinners Pair them with a simple salad or fresh fruit as a light meal I often serve them alongside a bowl of tomato soup or set them out with pickles and olives for added zing

Cultural Context

Puff pastry appetizers like these hail from European hors d’oeuvres traditions though Americans have made them favorites at potlucks and holiday gatherings The savory sweet combo mimics classic croque monsieur flavors but in easy bite size form

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different cheese for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute gruyere with other cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella, depending on your taste preference.

→ How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Make sure the ingredients are drained and the pastry is not overfilled. Preheating the oven helps to create a crisp texture.

→ Can these pinwheels be made ahead?

You can assemble and slice the pinwheels in advance, refrigerate, and bake them just before serving for best freshness.

→ Are these suitable for freezing?

Yes, the baked pinwheels freeze well. Reheat in the oven from frozen until warmed through for a crispy finish.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with them?

These pinwheels go well with dips like honey mustard, ranch, or even a spicy aioli, depending on your preference.