Introduction

Easter Ham and Cheddar Pinwheels are a delicious and easy appetizer perfect for festive gatherings. Flaky puff pastry filled with savory ham, sharp cheddar, and a tangy cream cheese mixture creates an irresistible bite that will please all your guests.

A close-up of baked pinwheel snacks with two visible layers of golden brown dough rolled into a spiral, with a middle layer of melted creamy cheese and pink slices of ham. The tops are sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and black pepper flakes, giving a fresh and slightly charred look. The texture of the dough is soft and slightly crispy on the edges, and the cheese is melted and gooey in spots. The pinwheels are placed closely together, showing a warm, inviting bake. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 sheets store-bought puff pastry, thawed
8 ounces cooked ham, thinly sliced
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and chopped parsley until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Lightly flour a clean surface and unfold one sheet of puff pastry. Roll it out gently to about 12×12 inches without making it too thin.
Step 3: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 4: Layer half of the sliced ham evenly over the cream cheese, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar on top.
Step 5: Starting from one edge, tightly roll the puff pastry sheet into a log to create a compact pinwheel.
Step 6: Repeat steps 2 to 5 with the second sheet of puff pastry and remaining fillings.
Step 7: Wrap both logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 8: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 9: Remove the chilled logs and slice each into ½-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp serrated knife.
Step 10: Place pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Step 11: Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
Step 12: Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving warm or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use a sharp serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to get clean slices without squishing the pinwheels.
Try Gruyere or Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar for different flavors.
Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor.
For a vegetarian version, replace ham with roasted vegetables or spinach and feta.
Prepare and chill the logs a day ahead, then slice and bake when ready to serve.

Storage

Store any leftover baked pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving for long periods to maintain their flakiness. These pinwheels are also delicious served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Close-up of several golden-brown spiral-shaped rolls on a white marbled surface, each roll has three visible layers: the outer dough layer is crispy and golden with a slightly caramelized texture, the middle layer shows melted white cheese with a gooey texture, and the inner layer contains slices of pink ham embedded evenly throughout. All rolls are sprinkled with small green herb pieces and black pepper flakes, adding color and texture contrast. Light shines softly to highlight the melted cheese and browned edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will add an extra special touch, though store-bought is a convenient and delicious shortcut perfect for busy cooks.

Can I freeze ham and cheddar pinwheels?

Yes, you can freeze them baked or unbaked. For unbaked, freeze the sliced pinwheels on a sheet then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding extra time. Baked pinwheels freeze well too—thaw in the fridge or bake from frozen before serving.