Savory Ham Cheese Pinwheels

Featured in: Weekend Zesty Comfort Recipes

These pinwheels feature flaky puff pastry wrapped around thin slices of savory ham and grated cheddar cheese. A touch of Dijon mustard adds subtle tang, while black pepper seasons the filling. Rolled tightly and sliced into 16 spirals, they're brushed with egg wash for a golden, crisp finish. Bake until beautifully puffed and golden, then enjoy warm or at room temperature. Perfect for appetizers or casual snacking, with easy substitutions like turkey or added herbs for extra flavor.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:28:00 GMT
Golden-brown baked savory Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Rolls, perfect bite-sized party appetizers. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown baked savory Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Rolls, perfect bite-sized party appetizers. | citrusfern.com

Flaky, golden pastry spirals filled with savory ham and melted cheese—perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party finger food.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • Pastry: 1 sheet (about 250 g) ready-rolled puff pastry (chilled, not frozen)
  • Filling: 100 g thinly sliced cooked ham
  • Filling: 100 g grated cheddar cheese (or Swiss cheese)
  • Filling: 2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Filling: Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • For Baking: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
Step 3:
Spread Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry, if using.
Step 4:
Arrange ham slices evenly over the mustard, leaving a 1 cm border along one long edge.
Step 5:
Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the ham. Season lightly with black pepper.
Step 6:
Starting from the long edge without the border, tightly roll up the pastry into a log, sealing the edge with a bit of beaten egg.
Step 7:
Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 16 equal pieces.
Step 8:
Place pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 9:
Brush tops with beaten egg.
Step 10:
Bake for 18 20 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Step 11:
Cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
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| citrusfern.com

Substitute turkey or chicken slices for ham if preferred Add chopped chives caramelized onions or a pinch of paprika for extra flavor Serve with a honey-mustard dipping sauce or alongside a green salad.

Required Tools

Baking sheet Parchment paper Sharp knife Pastry brush Rolling pin (optional)

Allergen Information

May contain traces of nuts or soy if present in the pastry always check packaging.

Nutritional Information

Calories 95 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 7 g Protein 4 g

Melted cheese oozes from warm, flaky Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Rolls, ideal for a quick snack. Save to Pinterest
Melted cheese oozes from warm, flaky Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Rolls, ideal for a quick snack. | citrusfern.com

This recipe makes a delightful appetizer that is simple to prepare and perfect for gatherings.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the ham with other meats?

Yes, turkey or chicken slices work well as alternatives, maintaining a similar texture and flavor balance.

What type of cheese works best for these pinwheels?

Cheddar or Swiss cheese are ideal choices due to their meltability and complementary flavors.

How do I ensure the pastry stays golden and crisp?

Brushing the surface with beaten egg before baking promotes a beautiful golden color and crisp texture.

Can I prepare these in advance?

You can assemble the pinwheels ahead and refrigerate them before baking. Bake fresh for best crispness.

Are there seasoning options to enhance the filling?

Adding fresh chives, caramelized onions, or a pinch of paprika can add extra layers of flavor to the filling.

Savory Ham Cheese Pinwheels

Golden puff pastry rolls filled with ham and cheddar, baked to crispy perfection for snacks or parties.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Recipe by Citrus Fern Wyatt Palmer


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine International

Makes 16 Portions

Diet Preferences None specified

What You Need

Pastry

01 1 sheet chilled ready-rolled puff pastry (about 8.8 oz)

Filling

01 3.5 oz thinly sliced cooked ham
02 3.5 oz grated cheddar cheese or Swiss cheese
03 2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
04 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Baking

01 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)

Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.

Step 03

Add Mustard: Evenly spread Dijon mustard over the pastry if using.

Step 04

Layer Ham: Arrange ham slices evenly over the mustard, leaving a 0.4 inch border along one long edge.

Step 05

Add Cheese and Seasoning: Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over ham and season lightly with black pepper.

Step 06

Roll Pastry: Starting from the long edge without the border, tightly roll the pastry into a log, sealing the edge with a small amount of beaten egg.

Step 07

Slice Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 16 equal pieces.

Step 08

Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

Step 09

Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the remaining beaten egg.

Step 10

Bake: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 11

Cool and Serve: Allow pinwheels to cool slightly; serve warm or at room temperature.

Tools Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Pastry brush
  • Rolling pin (optional)

Allergy Details

Always review every ingredient for possible allergens. If unsure, chat with your healthcare provider first.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (cheese), and pork (ham). May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on pastry.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Details provided to help guide you. For health decisions, speak with a professional.
  • Energy (kcal): 95
  • Fat Content: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrate: 7 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams