Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
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Looking for an easy yet impressive appetizer? These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels check every box. Puff pastry makes the process simple while delivering that buttery, flaky texture everyone loves. Serve them warm from the oven for gatherings, game day, or even a cozy family dinner.
I love a good appetizer recipe, and these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels might be one of the easiest and tastiest. Over the years I’ve shared plenty of pinwheels and roll-ups here on the blog, but most of those have been cold appetizers served straight from the fridge. This time I wanted to try something familiar but with a twist, so we’re baking these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels until they’re golden and flaky.
They come together in no time thanks to frozen puff pastry. That stuff really is magic—it makes a buttery, flaky dish so simple. The pastry is layered with a classic trio of ham, cheese, and mustard, and you really can’t go wrong with that! Once baked, these pinwheels are crisp, flavorful, and downright scrumptious. This recipe is flexible enough to work for any season or occasion, and you can easily change up the fillings with different meats, cheeses, or mustards to keep things interesting. If you’ve been looking for a new go-to appetizer, this one is a keeper.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple but impressive. With just a handful of ingredients and store-bought puff pastry, you can whip up something that looks like it came from a bakery. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special without a lot of work.
- Classic flavors with a twist. Ham, cheese, and mustard are a combination everyone knows and loves, but baking them inside flaky pastry makes the flavors even more irresistible. It’s familiar comfort food with a little extra flair.
- Perfect for any gathering. Whether it’s a holiday party, game day, or just a casual get-together, these pinwheels fit right in. They’re equally at home on a fancy appetizer tray or passed around at a laid-back family dinner.
Love pinwheel appetizers and looking for more? Check out this collection of all my favorite pinwheel recipes. I also have a collection of easy hors d’oeuvres if you’re looking for more of those.
Ingredients
It’s time to get together all of the ingredients you’ll need to make this easy hors d’oeuvre.
- Puff pastry – Store-bought puff pastry is the secret shortcut that gives you perfectly flaky, buttery layers without the fuss of making dough from scratch.
- Dijon mustard – A classic pairing with ham and cheese, Dijon adds a tangy kick that balances the richness of the pastry and cheese.
- Ham – Thinly sliced deli ham works best here, giving a salty, savory bite in every swirl of pastry.
- Gruyère cheese – This cheese melts beautifully and has a slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with ham.
- Black pepper – Just a touch of freshly ground pepper enhances the overall flavor and keeps things balanced.
- Fresh chives – Sprinkled on at the end, chives add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that brightens up each bite.
How To Make
I’m going to show you how to make these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels. I’ll take you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly mist with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Lightly flour your counter and roll the puff pastry into a rectangle, roughly 12 by 16 inches. Spread the mustard evenly over the entire surface. Layer the ham on top, followed by the cheese. Sprinkle with a little black pepper.
- Beginning at one of the short ends, roll the pastry up into a tight log. Slice off the uneven ends, then cut the log into ½-inch slices (this will give you about 20 pieces). Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet and place them in the freezer for five minutes to firm up.
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- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until puffed and golden. Sprinkle with fresh chives and serve warm or at room temperature.
And with that, your pinwheels are ready. I told you they were easy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these be frozen?
Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked pinwheels flat on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Bake straight from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the pinwheels, cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake just before serving for the best results.
Do they taste good reheated?
These pinwheels really shine when they’re fresh from the oven. While you technically can reheat them, they lose some of that light, crisp texture that makes them special. For the best flavor and flakiness, enjoy them right after baking.
More Easy Appetizers You’ll Love
- BLT Bites
- Greek Salad Phyllo Cups
- Jalapeño Bacon Cheese Bites
- Antipasto Skewers
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders
I think you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, not only because it’s simple but because it feels a little bit special every time you make it. That perfect combination of flaky pastry, melty cheese, and savory ham always seems to win people over, no matter the setting. Trust me on this one. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear what you think. Please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. I’d appreciate it!
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Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 4 ounces thinly sliced deli ham
- 4 ounces Gruyère cheese grated (about 1 cup)
- Freshly ground pepper
- Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly mist with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Lightly flour your counter and roll the puff pastry into a rectangle, roughly 12 by 16 inches. Spread the mustard evenly over the entire surface. Layer the ham on top, followed by the cheese. Sprinkle with a little black pepper.
- Beginning at one of the short ends, roll the pastry up into a tight log. Slice off the uneven ends, then cut the log into ½-inch slices (giving you about 20 pieces). Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet and place them in the freezer for five minutes to firm up.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until puffed and golden. Sprinkle with fresh chives and serve warm or at room temperature.