Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe: Crowd-Pleasing Swirls

Rolling up pure deliciousness with these baked ham and cheese pinwheels that promise a burst of flavor in every bite.

Soft tortillas become the canvas for a savory masterpiece that melts together perfectly.

Delicate layers of smoky ham and creamy cheese create a quick lunch or snack experience you’ll absolutely adore.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, making these pinwheels a go-to option for busy days or spontaneous gatherings.

Each spiral captures a delightful combination of textures that dance across your palate with minimal effort.

Kids and adults alike will be drawn to these irresistible little rolls that take less than 30 minutes to prepare.

One taste, and you’ll understand why these pinwheels are about to become your new favorite recipe.

Tips To Make Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels Better

• Customize Cheese Varieties: Swap cheddar with Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella for unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Pat ham dry before adding to reduce excess moisture and ensure crispy, flaky pastry edges.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
• Dietary Adaptations: Substitute ham with turkey or vegetarian deli slices for alternative protein options that accommodate different dietary needs.
• Enhance Flavor Boost: Sprinkle fresh herbs like chives or thyme over pinwheels after baking to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the dish.

How To Store Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels The Easy Way

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them flat to prevent crushing the delicate pastry layers.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pinwheels will maintain quality for 2 months.
• Reheat in Oven: Restore crispiness by warming pinwheels in a preheated 350F oven for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy pastry.
• Quick Serving Tip: Let refrigerated pinwheels sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before reheating to ensure even warming and maintain their delightful texture.

Best Pairings For Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, creamy ham and cheese pinwheels with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the richness, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• Serve with Tangy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick honey mustard or herb-infused aioli for an extra flavor boost. These sauces add a zesty kick that enhances the savory pinwheels and provides a delightful dipping experience.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss together a light mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette. The salad's crispness and acidity will contrast beautifully with the warm, cheesy pinwheels, making the meal feel more complete and refreshing.
• Match with Sparkling Beverage: Enjoy with a cold glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a light craft beer. The effervescence helps cleanse the palate between bites, highlighting the pinwheels' rich flavors.

Try These Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels Variations

• Spicy Southwestern Pinwheels: Swap Dijon mustard for salsa, add diced jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Veggie Rolls: Replace ham with roasted red peppers, crumbled feta, and chopped spinach for a vegetarian Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Italian Pepperoni Scrolls: Substitute ham with pepperoni, use mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle dried Italian herbs for a pizza-inspired appetizer.
• Ranch Chicken Pinwheels: Swap ham for shredded rotisserie chicken, mix cream cheese with ranch seasoning, and top with crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.

Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels FAQs

• What makes these pinwheels different from regular appetizers?

These pinwheels are special because they combine creamy cream cheese, tangy Dijon mustard, savory ham, and melted cheddar in a flaky puff pastry, creating a perfect bite-sized treat that’s both elegant and easy to make.

• Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolled log and slice it, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them perfect for preparing in advance for parties or quick snacks.

• Are these pinwheels suitable for kids?

Absolutely! Kids love these cheesy, ham-filled pastries. They’re bite-sized, fun to eat, and have mild flavors that most children enjoy. Plus, they’re great for lunch boxes or after-school snacks.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make these?

Not at all! These pinwheels are beginner-friendly. If you can roll pastry and slice it, you can make these. The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking techniques.

Why Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels Are So Good

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers: These ham and cheese pinwheels deliver irresistible bite-sized delights that vanish quickly at parties and gatherings, guaranteed to spark conversations and delight taste buds.
• Enjoy Effortless Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple rolling technique make this recipe perfect for novice cooks, requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish with minimal kitchen skills needed.
• Experience Flavor-Packed Layers: Creamy cream cheese, tangy Dijon mustard, savory ham, and sharp cheddar cheese combine in a delectable harmony that provides rich, complex taste sensations in every single bite.
• Embrace Versatile Serving Options: These pinwheels work brilliantly as appetizers, quick lunch options, kid-friendly snacks, or casual party treats that appeal to multiple age groups and dietary preferences.

What You’ll Need For Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

• Puff Pastry: Delicate, buttery pastry that creates a flaky and light base for the pinwheels. Look for all-butter puff pastry for best flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy base for the filling. Softened cream cheese blends easily with other ingredients.

• Ham, Cheddar Cheese: Classic savory combination that adds rich flavor and protein to the pinwheels. Choose high-quality, lean ham and sharp cheddar for maximum taste.

• Dijon Mustard, Black Pepper: Adds tangy and spicy notes to complement the creamy and cheesy filling. Fresh ground black pepper provides a subtle heat and depth of flavor.

How To Prepare Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Unfold and Smooth Pastry

Take your thawed puff pastry and spread it out on a lightly dusted surface. Gently roll it flat, erasing any stubborn creases with your rolling pin.

Step 3: Create Creamy Spread

• Softened cream cheese
• Dijon mustard

Blend until silky smooth. Generously slather this mixture across the pastry, leaving a tiny border around the edges.

Step 4: Layer Delicious Toppings

• Chopped ham
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• A twist of freshly ground black pepper

Step 5: Roll and Slice Magic

Start from the long side and tightly roll the pastry into a perfect log. With a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 mouth-watering pinwheels.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on the baking sheet, giving them some breathing room. Slide into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese bubbles with excitement.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your crispy, cheesy swirls and let them cool just a moment before diving in. These are best enjoyed warm and straight from the oven!

Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

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

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Description

Savory ham and cheese pinwheels roll delightful flavor combinations into perfect party appetizers. Crisp golden pastry wraps around melted cheese and smoky ham, promising irresistible bites that will delight guests at any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 8.5 ounces/241 grams), thawed
• 6 ounces (170 grams) sliced deli ham, chopped
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the kitchen oven to a toasty 400F (200C), ensuring the rack is centered. Layer a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
2. Gently unfurl the thawed puff pastry onto a lightly dusted surface. Smooth out any stubborn creases using a rolling pin, creating an even rectangular canvas.
3. Whip the cream cheese and Dijon mustard together in a mixing bowl until silky and uniform. Delicately spread the zesty mixture across the pastry, maintaining a small naked border around the edges to prevent overflow.
4. Artfully distribute the savory ham pieces over the cream cheese layer, creating an even blanket of meat. Generously cascade shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, finishing with a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper for an extra flavor punch.
5. Initiating from the longest edge, carefully roll the pastry into a tight, compact log. With a razor-sharp knife, slice the log into approximately 12 uniform pinwheel segments.
6. Arrange the pinwheels cut-side upward on the prepared baking sheet, allowing sufficient breathing room between each piece. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry transforms into a golden, crispy exterior with bubbling, melted cheese.
7. Extract from the oven and permit a brief cooling moment. Serve these delectable pinwheels warm, allowing guests to enjoy the perfect blend of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and savory ham.

Notes

• Swap cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
• Choose lean ham or turkey ham to reduce saturated fat content and make the recipe healthier.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles that can elevate the pinwheels.
• Ensure puff pastry is completely thawed but still cold for the flakiest, most delicate texture when baking.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg