Tasty Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe for Snack Lovers

Crafting delicious ham and cheese pinwheels brings pure joy to any gathering or quick meal.

Soft tortillas wrap around savory ingredients in a delightful spiral that looks impressive yet takes minimal effort.

Cheese melts perfectly between thin ham slices, creating a delectable combination.

Kids and adults alike devour these bite-sized treats with enthusiasm.

Minimal kitchen skills work wonderfully for assembling these crowd-pleasing rolls.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making this recipe a go-to solution for busy households.

Roll up your sleeves and create a snack that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ham And Cheese Pinwheels—The Perfect Party Snack

• Craft Quickly: Minimal steps transform simple ingredients into delectable ham and cheese pinwheels perfect for any gathering.
• Delight Family Members: Kid-friendly recipe appeals to all ages with its cheesy, savory flavor profile and attractive spiral presentation.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Serves as an excellent appetizer, snack, or light lunch option that impresses guests with minimal preparation effort.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows substituting ham with turkey, adding different herbs, or incorporating additional cheese varieties to suit personal preferences.

What Goes Into Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

• Puff Pastry Sheet: A delicate, layered dough that provides a light and flaky foundation for the pinwheels.

• Cream Cheese: A smooth, creamy layer that helps bind the ingredients and adds a rich, tangy flavor to the pinwheels.

• Deli Ham Slices: A savory meat that adds protein and classic sandwich flavor to the pastry rolls.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that provides additional flavor and gooey texture to the pinwheels.

• Dried Parsley, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: A blend of herbs and spices that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Beaten Egg: A glossy coating that creates a golden-brown and shiny exterior when baked.

• Flour: A light dusting that prevents the pastry from sticking during rolling and handling.
• Parchment Paper: A non-stick surface that ensures easy baking and clean removal of the pinwheels.

How To Roll Up Ham And Cheese Pinwheels Like A Pro

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for a smooth cooking surface.

Step 2: Prepare The Pastry

Take out the puff pastry and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This helps it become more flexible and easier to work with.

Step 3: Spread The Cream Cheese

Smooth a layer of cream cheese across the pastry, covering the surface completely. This creates a delicious base for the other ingredients.

Step 4: Layer The Ham

Cover the cream cheese with deli ham slices, making sure to spread them evenly across the entire pastry.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the ham, creating a generous and even layer of cheesy deliciousness.

Step 6: Season The Mixture

• Dried parsley
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Distribute the seasonings evenly to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.

Step 7: Roll It Up

Starting from one long side, carefully roll the pastry into a tight cylinder. Make sure it’s compact and neat.

Step 8: Slice Into Pinwheels

Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled pastry into 1-inch thick rounds. Aim for clean, precise cuts.

Step 9: Arrange On Baking Sheet

Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each piece to allow heat to circulate.

Step 10: Create A Golden Finish

Brush the tops of the pinwheels with beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden shine when baked.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Look for a puffy, rich golden-brown color.

Step 12: Cool And Serve

Pull the pinwheels out of the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the filling set and prevents burning. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Tips To Make Ham And Cheese Pinwheels Just Right

• Soften Pastry Perfectly: Let the puff pastry sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to prevent cracking and make rolling easier.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Use parchment paper and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure crisp, flaky pastry edges.
• Cheese Distribution Trick: Grate cheese freshly and sprinkle evenly to guarantee consistent flavor in every bite.
• Season Boldly: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the pinwheels' taste profile.
• Keep Edges Sealed: Lightly press the pastry's final edge with water or egg wash to prevent unraveling during baking.

Fun Flavors To Add To Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

• Mediterranean Veggie Pinwheels: Replace ham with roasted red peppers, swap cream cheese for herbed feta, and use spinach instead of cheddar for a Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian version.
• Spicy Southwest Pinwheels: Substitute ham with shredded chicken, add pepper jack cheese, incorporate diced jalapeños, and sprinkle chili powder for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Pastry Pinwheels: Use gluten-free puff pastry from specialty stores, keep same filling ingredients, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this appetizer.
• Low-Carb Ham Roll-Ups: Replace puff pastry with thin sliced deli turkey as a wrap, maintain cream cheese and ham filling, creating a protein-packed, carbohydrate-reduced alternative.

Tasty Sides For Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, creamy pinwheel with bright acidity and refreshing citrus notes, balancing the ham and cheese perfectly.
• Serve Tangy Side Salad: Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery contrast to the warm, cheesy pastry, adding freshness and cutting through the richness.
• Create Complementary Appetizer: Pickle spears or cornichons offer a sharp, briny crunch that enhances the pinwheel's savory profile and provides a palate-cleansing element.
• Select Sparkling Beverage: Prosecco or sparkling water with a twist of lemon adds effervescence and lightness, complementing the buttery puff pastry and salty ham.

How To Store Ham And Cheese Pinwheels Without Soggy Woes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, and store for 1-2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Warm at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, ensuring crispy exterior and heated through. Avoid microwave to maintain pastry's texture.
• Reheat at 325°F for 5-7 minutes, placing pinwheels on a small baking tray for even warming and maintaining crispness.

Pinwheel Problems? Check Out These FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone for varied flavor profiles while maintaining similar melting properties.

• Is it possible to make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and roll the pinwheels, then refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours or freeze for 1 month before baking.

• What if my puff pastry is too cold?

Let the pastry sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften, making it easier to unfold and roll without cracking.

• Can I add vegetables to these pinwheels?

Definitely! Finely chopped spinach, caramelized onions, or roasted bell peppers work wonderfully as additional filling ingredients.

Snackable Ham And Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 32-35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory ham and cheese pinwheels bring delightful spirals of flavor to any gathering. Quick party appetizers roll creamy cheese and salty ham into irresistible bites you’ll devour with pure enjoyment.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices deli ham

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Binding and Spread:

• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth, flat surface for even baking.
2. Gently unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface, allowing it to soften slightly at room temperature for easier handling.
3. Spread cream cheese evenly across the pastry, creating a thin, uniform layer that will help bind the filling ingredients together.
4. Arrange the deli ham slices over the cream cheese, covering the entire surface with minimal overlap.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the ham, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
6. Dust the cheese layer with dried parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper, distributing the seasonings evenly for balanced flavor.
7. Carefully roll the pastry from one long side to the other, creating a tight, compact cylinder that will form the pinwheel shape.
8. Slice the rolled pastry into 1-inch thick rounds, using a sharp knife to create clean, precise cuts.
9. Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even heat circulation.
10. Brush the tops with beaten egg, which will create a golden, glossy finish during baking.
11. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the pastry turns puffy and achieves a rich, golden-brown color.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set and prevent burning.

Notes

• Swap ham with turkey or plant-based alternatives for dietary modifications, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delightful pinwheels.
• Chill the rolled pastry for 15 minutes before slicing to achieve cleaner, more precise cuts and maintain the structural integrity of the pinwheels.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like Swiss, mozzarella, or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.
• Add a light sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra flavor boost that transforms the basic recipe into a gourmet appetizer.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg