Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels
If you love buttery, golden, flaky pastry filled with gooey cheese and savory ham, these Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are pure perfection. Simple to make yet delightfully impressive, they’re ideal for brunches, tea-time snacks, picnics, or even a cozy dinner side. With just a few basic ingredients — puff pastry, ham, and cheese — you can create something that looks like it came straight out of a bakery.
🧡 The Story Behind the Recipe
There’s something comforting about the combination of ham and cheese — a timeless duo found in sandwiches, croissants, and now, these irresistible puff pastry pinwheels. The idea for this recipe comes from the classic French café snack: jambon-fromage feuilleté, meaning “ham and cheese puff.”
But instead of serving it as a folded pastry, this version takes a fun, bite-sized twist — rolled, sliced, and baked into beautiful, golden spirals that melt in your mouth. The best part? It’s deceptively simple. You only need about 10 minutes of prep time, and the oven does the rest.
Whether you’re preparing breakfast for your family or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these pinwheels will disappear the moment they hit the plate!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Pinwheels:
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1 sheet puff pastry (about 250 g), thawed if frozen
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150 g (about 6 slices) thinly sliced ham (smoked or honey-roasted work great)
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1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese — cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or gruyère
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or mayonnaise (optional, for added flavor)
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1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
Optional Garnish:
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Fresh thyme or parsley leaves
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A sprinkle of black pepper or sesame seeds
For Serving (optional):
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Honey mustard dipping sauce
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Spicy ketchup or garlic mayo
🍴 Equipment
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Rolling pin
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Sharp knife or pizza cutter
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Pastry brush
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Baking tray lined with parchment paper
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
If using frozen puff pastry, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator until it’s pliable but still cold. Lightly dust your work surface with flour and unroll the pastry sheet. Using a rolling pin, gently roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
This helps smooth any folds and ensures even baking.
Step 2: Add Flavor Base (Optional)
If you want to elevate the flavor, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard or mayonnaise evenly over the puff pastry using the back of a spoon. This gives a tangy note that complements the richness of the cheese and ham.
Step 3: Layer the Ham and Cheese
Lay the ham slices evenly over the pastry, slightly overlapping if needed.
Then sprinkle or lay the cheese evenly on top of the ham.
You can use a single type of cheese like cheddar for sharpness, mozzarella for gooey texture, or a mix for best results.
Step 4: Roll It Up
Starting from the longer side of the rectangle, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log, just like a Swiss roll.
Use gentle pressure so the layers stick together without squeezing the filling out.
Once rolled, brush the outer edge with a little egg wash to seal it.
Step 5: Chill Before Cutting
Place the rolled pastry log in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes.
This step firms up the butter in the dough, making it easier to cut and helping the pastry puff properly in the oven.
Step 6: Slice into Pinwheels
Once chilled, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the roll into 1-inch thick rounds.
Lay each pinwheel flat on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one for expansion.
Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Bake the pinwheels for 15–20 minutes, or until puffed and beautifully golden brown.
The cheese will melt and bubble while the pastry becomes crisp and flaky — the ultimate comfort snack!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce — honey mustard is classic, but spicy mayo or garlic aioli adds a modern twist.
💡 Tips for Success
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Keep the pastry cold: Puff pastry puffs best when the butter inside is cold. If it starts to soften too much, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before baking.
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Don’t overfill: Too much cheese or ham can cause the pastry to split open or leak while baking.
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Egg wash = shine: The egg wash gives that irresistible golden sheen.
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Try variations: Add thinly sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, or baby spinach for a gourmet upgrade.
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Make ahead: You can roll and slice these a day in advance — just keep them refrigerated until ready to bake.
🧀 Flavor Variations
✨ Ham & Swiss: The French-inspired version with Dijon mustard and Swiss cheese.
🌿 Spinach & Feta: For a vegetarian option — skip the ham and use crumbled feta and spinach.
🔥 Spicy Kick: Add a touch of chili flakes or spicy jalapeños before rolling.
🍕 Pizza Pinwheels: Swap ham for pepperoni and use mozzarella with pizza sauce.
These variations keep the base idea alive while adding new flavors for every occasion.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve these puff pastry pinwheels as:
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A breakfast snack with coffee or tea
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A party appetizer with a dip platter
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A light lunch with a side salad
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A school or work lunchbox treat
They’re perfect both warm and at room temperature, which makes them travel-friendly too.
🧠 Related Questions
1. Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes! If you have the time, homemade puff pastry adds incredible flavor. But store-bought works perfectly fine for convenience.
2. Can I freeze these pinwheels?
Absolutely. Freeze them before baking on a tray until firm, then transfer to a ziplock bag. When ready, bake from frozen for about 25 minutes at 200°C (400°F).
3. What kind of cheese melts best for this recipe?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère are excellent choices. For a stronger flavor, use aged cheddar or Swiss cheese.
4. How do I keep them crispy after baking?
Let them cool completely before storing, and avoid covering them tightly while warm — steam can make them soggy.
5. Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip the ham and fill with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers.
🔥 Quick Nutritional Info (per pinwheel)
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Calories: ~210
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Protein: 8g
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Carbs: 14g
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Fat: 13g
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Fiber: 1g
(Values vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)
✨ Final Thoughts
These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are the definition of easy elegance — minimal effort, maximum satisfaction. With their crisp layers, melted cheese, and savory ham, they strike that perfect balance between buttery indulgence and comforting simplicity.
They’re proof that good food doesn’t need to be complicated — just fresh ingredients, a little creativity, and the warmth of your oven. Serve them, and watch every face light up with joy. 🧡
