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 //
These appetizers are delicious on their own, but you can serve them alongside other appetizers and snacks like fruit salad, nuts, crispy baked chicken wings, and a bottle of wine. They also go great with dips like ranch or barbecue sauce.
Sometimes it can be tricky to keep this appetizer’s composure. That’s why I recommend chilling your rolled up pinwheel before cutting into it, so it stays solid. If it’s still falling apart, try chilling it for longer or rolling it up tighter before chilling.
Of course! This dish is easy to alter to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Feel free to leave out the ham, or replace it with thinly sliced veggies or vegan bologna.
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.


Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
These ham and cheese pinwheels are one of my favorites. This sweet and savory appetizer goes perfectly with a glass of wine and good friends.
Ingredients
- 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 cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together Dijon, honey, rosemary, and pepper. Set aside.
- Roll puff pastry out on a floured surface. Spread a thin layer of the Dijon mixture all over the puff pastry. Add half of the cheese. Add the ham layer. Top with cheese.
- Roll the dough lengthwise to form a pinwheel. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375° F while you wait.
- Slice into thin, 1/2-inch pieces using a sharp knife. Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes in the oven until golden brown.
Notes
You can make these ham and cheese pinwheels ahead of time! Just stick them in the freezer instead of the refrigerator once wrapped in plastic.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 132Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 565mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 11g
All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only.
Linda
Friday 20th of November 2015
Can't wait to try these, exactly what I've been looking for,as an easy tasty appy
bakedbree
Tuesday 24th of November 2015
These are great, and super easy.
Narcisa
Tuesday 31st of December 2013
This recipe is amazing! i did it last night and now i'm doing it again :)
bakedbree
Tuesday 31st of December 2013
I am so glad! I love these, and not just because they are so easy.
Dianne
Thursday 19th of December 2013
OMG these are so easy to make and so delicious. I made them and my 9 yr old granddaughter ate so many she didn't want dinner LOL she helped make them they are something easy for her to help Granny with she already wants to know when we are going to do more
bakedbree
Friday 20th of December 2013
I am so glad! I love these too. I would much rather eat these than dinner too. :)
Amanda
Saturday 14th of December 2013
Seriously, I just made these last night to take to a Christmas Party and they were a HUGE hit! Absolutely delicious!! These will be my "GO-TO" party app from now on! Thanks so much, love your food!!
amanda k :) Merry Christmas to you and yours!
bakedbree
Saturday 14th of December 2013
Yeah! I love these, so easy and so delicious! Merry Christmas to you too!
Cara
Thursday 12th of December 2013
These look so good!!
bakedbree
Saturday 14th of December 2013
Thank you Cara! I love how easy these are. Merry Christmas.