Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

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These ham and cheese pinwheels are one of my favorite appetizers. They’re a little retro, but everyone loves them and I am sure that you will, too!

When I have people over for dinner, I usually do not do much in the way of appetizers. At the most, I set out some nuts or a cheese tray so I can focus my energies on the main course and dessert. But during the holidays, it seems like I need to have appetizers at the ready, so I like to keep a few things in my freezer for “just in case.” You can prepare these ham and cheese pinwheels ahead of time and keep them for when you need an emergency appetizer.

These ham and cheese pinwheels are one of my favorites. Sure they’re a little retro, but everyone loves them. I updated my grandmother’s version a touch with fresh rosemary, Dijon mustard, and honey. I love sweet and savory, and it works perfectly with the cheese and ham. They go great with a glass of wine and good company. You can make my gouda in puff pastry with any leftover pastry, too!

Why You Will Love This Recipe //

• This recipe is incredibly easy to make, you will be done with it in less than 25 minutes.
• You can make this recipe ahead of time and freeze them to save yourself time on the day of serving.
• If you freeze these ham and cheese pinwheels, there’s no need to thaw them. You can just put them in a 350°F oven until they are warm throughout.
• You can change the ingredients based on your preference. For example, I like to use turkey ham during Thanksgiving or lighter cheese like mozzarella during the summer months.

Ingredients //

Whatever you do, DON’T forget the mustard and honey. The spicy sweetness is what makes these pinwheels so good!

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rosemary, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
• 6 thin slices ham
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp flour

How to Make Ham and Cheese Pinwheels // The Steps

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together Dijon, honey, rosemary, and pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Roll puff pastry out on a floured surface.

Step 3: Spread a thin layer of the Dijon mixture all over the puff pastry.

Step 4: Sprinkle half of the cheese over the top.

Step 5: Lay the slices of ham over for the next layer.

Step 6: Top with the remaining cheese.

Step 7: Roll the dough lengthwise to form a pinwheel. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 20 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F while you wait.

Step 8: Slice into thin, 1/2-inch pieces using a sharp knife.

Step 9: Place the slices on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Step 10: Bake for 15 minutes in the oven until golden brown.

Make-Ahead //

These ham and cheese pinwheels are an easy make-ahead appetizer or snack! Once you reach step 7 of this recipe, instead of placing your plastic wrapped pastry in the refrigerator, stick it in the freezer for up to 3 months. On the day you’d like to serve them, slice from frozen with a sharp knife and stick in the oven.

Alternatively, you can slice your pinwheels after cooling in the fridge for 20 minutes, and then freeze them in a Ziplock bag or airtight container. You won’t need to defrost them when you’re ready to heat – just place them in the oven and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until golden brown.

Variations //

These pinwheels can be doctored with a range of fillings and flavors. Here are a few ideas for variations on this recipe:

• Cranberry walnut blue cheese pinwheels: For a sweet and crunchy version, roll up cream cheese, blue cheese, cranberries, and walnuts into your pastry.
• Pizza pinwheels: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings (like pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, and peppers) are the filling to this take on pizza rolls.
• Veggie pinwheels: Spread a layer of cream cheese or hummus on your pastry, then top with cucumber, carrot, bell peppers, lettuce, or avocado.
• Thanksgiving pinwheels: Layer thinly sliced turkey, cranberry sauce or craisins, and cream cheese for this sweet and savory Thanksgiving appetizer.

FAQs //

How to Store Ham and Cheese Pinwheels //

You can store those pinwheels in the freezer for 3 months. Just put them in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag after cooking. Make sure to wait until they have fully cooled down. When reheating, simply stick them in the oven at 375° F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown (no need to defrost first).

You can also keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in a 350° F oven for 5 minutes, or until they are warm throughout.