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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the kitchen oven to a toasty 400F (200C), ensuring the rack is centered. Layer a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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