These ham and cheese pinwheels are the kind of snack you’ll want at every get-together. Flaky pastry, melty cheese, and savory ham make them hard to stop eating. Perfect for any casual hangout or game day.
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
I love making these ham and cheese pinwheels because they’re super easy but pack a punch in flavor. Puff pastry makes them so flaky, and the deli ham and Colby Jack cheese really come together in the best way. The sweet and savory glaze on top gives them that little something extra that’ll keep everyone wanting another round.
These pinwheels are perfect for casual gatherings, game day, or when you just want a quick snack. I like how simple they are to throw together, and the crispy edges with the soft center are just irresistible. They’re also a great way to feed a crowd without a lot of hassle.
They might be small, but they’re full of flavor and always get eaten up fast. Whether you’re hosting or bringing something to a get-together, these pinwheels are an easy win. Plus, they’ll definitely become a favorite at your next party.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flaky puff pastry makes them super easy but delicious.
- The sweet-savory glaze adds a tasty twist.
- Perfectly bite-sized for easy snacking or sharing.
Ingredients
These are the ingredients I tossed together to make these ham and cheese pinwheels easy and flavorful:
- Puff Pastry (thawed) – The perfect base for these pinwheels, flaky and simple.
- Deli Ham – A quick and tasty option for that savory layer.
- Colby Cheese (hand-shred the block) – Melts perfectly for that gooey, cheesy bite.
- Salt and Pepper – Just the right amount of seasoning to bring it all together.
- Unsalted Butter (melted) – Adds richness and helps the pastry brown up nice.
- Brown Sugar – Sweetens up the glaze and balances the savory flavors.
- Poppy Seeds – Adds a little crunch and visual appeal.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Gives the glaze a deep, savory kick.
- Dijon Mustard – A small but mighty touch that adds a bit of tang to the glaze.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Step One (Prepare the Dough):
Thaw the puff pastry in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to start, preheat the oven to 400°F. - Step Two (Roll Out the Pastry):
Lightly dust the top of the puff pastry with some flour. Use a rolling pin to gently roll out any seams or bumps from the packaging, making the dough nice and even. - Step Three (Add the Ham):
Lay the ham down on the puff pastry starting at the bottom, slightly overlapping the slices as you go. Trim off any excess ham at the top so it doesn’t hang over the edges of the pastry. - Step Four (Top with Cheese and Seasoning):
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the ham and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. - Step Five (Prepare the Muffin Tin):
Grease the muffin tin with cooking spray so the pinwheels don’t stick. - Step Six (Roll and Slice the Pastry):
Roll up the puff pastry tightly and slice it into 12 even pieces. Place each piece into the muffin tin with the sliced side facing up. - Step Seven (Add the Glaze):
Mix the glaze ingredients in a small bowl and brush it over the top of the pinwheels. - Step Eight (Bake):
Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry has puffed up and turned golden brown. - Step Nine (Serve):
Take them out of the oven and serve while they’re hot.
Recipe Tips for Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Here are a few tips to make sure your ham and cheese pinwheels come out just right.
- If you forget to thaw the puff pastry overnight, you can thaw it on the counter, but don’t leave it out too long or it’ll get sticky. It’ll take about 30-40 minutes on the counter, but fridge thawing overnight is still the best.
- If the puff pastry cracks while unfolding, just use a little water and your finger to fix it.
- Oven temps can vary, so keep an eye on your pinwheels so they don’t burn.
- Serve them right after baking – puff pastry is always best fresh out of the oven.
- Since the recipe is pretty simple, it’s best not to make it ahead of time.
- You can use any brand or even homemade puff pastry.
- Feel free to swap the cheese for your favorite. I like Colby Jack because it melts well and pairs great with the ham.
- Make sure to shred the cheese yourself – pre-shredded doesn’t melt as well.
- You can use other deli meats besides ham if you want.
- Use low-sodium deli meat if you want to keep the salt low.
Storage and Freezing
Here’s how to store and freeze these ham and cheese pinwheels:
- Storing: Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze them on a baking sheet before storing in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance by assembling the pinwheels and refrigerating them overnight is a great way to prep for a party or event.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese. Colby Jack is a popular choice because it complements the ham and melts well.
- How do I prevent the pinwheels from falling apart? To keep the pinwheels from falling apart, make sure to roll them tightly and seal the edges well. Using a bit of water to seal the edges can help keep them intact during baking.
- Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry? Yes, you can use crescent roll dough. Just unroll it, pinch the seams together, and proceed with the recipe as directed. Keep in mind that the texture will different, but it will still taste good. Baking time may differ.
More Party Appetizer Recipes
There are so many good things to serve alongside a batch of these ham and cheese pinwheels. Here are a few more of my favorite recipes.
- Jalapeno Popper Dip
- Pull-Apart Bacon Bread
- Gooey Pizza Dip
- Hot Italian Dip
- Maple Glazed Sausage Bites
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Crab and Chive Puffs
- Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels
- Ground Turkey Stuffed Jalapeños
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Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
These ham and cheese pinwheels are made with flaky puff pastry, deli ham, and melty Colby Jack cheese, finished with a sweet and savory glaze. Perfect for any casual gathering or game day, they’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Servings: 12 pieces
Calories: 267kcal
Equipment
- measuring cups and spoons For accurate measuring.
- mixing bowls For mixing glaze ingredients.
- Knife For slicing puff pastry into pinwheels.
- pastry brush For brushing pinwheels with glaze.
Ingredients
Pinwheels:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 3/4 lbs. thin-sliced deli ham (approximately 15 slices) (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese, (shred yourself)
- salt and pepper to taste
- cooking spray
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 2 tbsp. light brown sugar
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Thaw the puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight.1 sheet puff pastry
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Lightly roll out the puff pastry sheet by dusting the top with a bit of flour. Use a rolling pin to smooth out any seams or bumps from the packaging and even out the pastry.
- Starting at the bottom, layer the ham onto the puff pastry sheet, slightly overlapping the slices as you move toward the top. Fold under or trim any excess ham at the top so that no ham hangs over the edges of the pastry.3/4 lbs. thin-sliced deli ham
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the ham and season with salt and pepper.1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese, (shred yourself), salt and pepper
- Grease the inside of each cavity of a muffin tin with cooking spray.cooking spray
- Roll the puff pastry tightly and slice it into 12 equal pieces. Place each piece in the muffin tin with the sliced side facing up.
- In a small bowl, combine the glaze ingredients and brush it over the pinwheels.1/2 cup butter, 2 tbsp. light brown sugar, 1 tsp poppy seeds, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce , 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry has risen and is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and serve.
Notes
For optimal outcomes when making these ham and cheese pinwheels, I recommend referring to the recipe details within the post. The recipe post commonly includes valuable notes, expert tips and frequently asked questions, that are not presented in the recipe card, often including how to make this recipe dairy-free, gluten free or vegan and ideas for healthy ingredient substitutions or variations.
The provided nutrition information is merely an approximation, as variations can arise depending on the specific ingredients/brands you select.
© noblepig.com. All content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing this recipe is encouraged and appreciated, but copying and/or pasting the full recipe to social media or other platforms is strictly prohibited.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Amount Per Serving (78 g)
Calories 267
Calories from Fat 183
% Daily Value*
Fat 20.3g31%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Trans Fat 0.1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g
Monounsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 44.5mg15%
Sodium 351mg15%
Potassium 126mg4%
Carbohydrates 12.6g4%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3.1g3%
Protein 9g18%
Vitamin A 122.5IU2%
Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
Calcium 75.9mg8%
Iron 0.9mg5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let me know how it turned out.
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