Snacks

Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

Name: Ham And Cheese Pinwheels
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 package (1 sheet) puff pastry, thawed; 1/2 cup diced ham; 1/2 cup shredded cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 egg, beaten; 1 tablespoon water; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

By Juno Blackwood · June 19, 2026 · Snacks

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total40 min

Serves12

I still remember the first time I made ham and cheese pinwheels for my family. It was a Sunday afternoon, and we were all looking for something easy to snack on while watching a movie. I had some leftover ham and cheese in the fridge, and I thought, why not try making some pinwheels? The result was a huge hit, and now ham and cheese pinwheels are a staple in our household.

What I love about this recipe is that it's so versatile. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge or freezer, and reheat it whenever you need a quick snack. It's also a great way to use up leftover ham and cheese, and you can customize it to your taste by adding different herbs or spices.

As a weekday-meal strategist, I'm always looking for ways to make meal prep easier and more efficient. Ham and cheese pinwheels are a perfect example of a make-ahead meal that can be prepared in advance and reheated as needed. They're also a great way to get your family involved in the kitchen, as everyone can help with assembling the pinwheels.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make delicious ham and cheese pinwheels that are perfect for snacking, lunchboxes, or as a quick breakfast on-the-go. I'll also share some tips and variations to help you customize the recipe to your taste.

So, let's get started and make some tasty ham and cheese pinwheels! Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick snack or a meal prep enthusiast, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They're easy to make and require minimal ingredients.
They're perfect for snacking, lunchboxes, or as a quick breakfast on-the-go.
They're customizable to your taste, so you can add different herbs or spices to suit your preferences.
They're a great way to use up leftover ham and cheese.
They're a crowd-pleaser, and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
They're a great make-ahead meal that can be prepared in advance and reheated as needed.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great ham and cheese pinwheels is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overfill the pinwheels. You want to leave enough room for the filling to expand during cooking, but not so much that the pinwheels fall apart. By using a combination of ham, cheese, and herbs, you'll create a flavorful and satisfying snack that's sure to please.

Another important factor is the type of cheese you use. I recommend using a mild cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, as it will melt well and add a creamy texture to the pinwheels. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as parmesan or feta, for a unique flavor.

The cooking process is also crucial, as you want to cook the pinwheels until they're golden brown and crispy on the outside, while still being soft and cheesy on the inside. By using a combination of baking and broiling, you'll achieve the perfect texture and flavor.

Finally, the resting time is important, as it allows the pinwheels to cool down and set before serving. This will help them to retain their shape and flavor, and make them easier to handle and store.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make delicious ham and cheese pinwheels, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key players are ham, cheese, and puff pastry, which provide the flavor and texture for the pinwheels. You'll also need some eggs and water to brush the pastry, and some salt and pepper to season the filling.

When shopping for ingredients, look for high-quality ham and cheese that are fresh and have a good flavor. You can also use leftover ham and cheese, which makes this recipe a great way to use up leftovers.

1 package (1 sheet) puff pastry, thawedMake sure to thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions, as this will help it to roll out evenly and prevent it from tearing.
1/2 cup diced hamYou can use any type of ham you like, but I recommend using a mild ham that's not too salty.
1/2 cup shredded cheeseI recommend using a mild cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, as it will melt well and add a creamy texture to the pinwheels.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the pinwheels, but you can also use dried parsley if you prefer.
1 egg, beatenThe beaten egg is used to brush the pastry, which helps to give it a golden brown color and a crispy texture.
1 tablespoon waterThe water is used to thin out the egg wash, which helps to prevent the pastry from becoming too sticky.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavor of the filling and helps to bring out the flavors of the ham and cheese.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a subtle kick to the filling and helps to balance out the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powderGarlic powder adds a savory flavor to the filling and helps to enhance the flavors of the ham and cheese.
1/4 teaspoon onion powderOnion powder adds a sweet, savory flavor to the filling and helps to balance out the flavors.

Ingredients for Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

Equipment You’ll Need

Large baking sheetParchment paperRolling pinSharp knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerOven

How to Make Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough room for the pinwheels to spread out during cooking.
2
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Make sure to roll it out evenly, as this will help the pinwheels to cook evenly.
3
In a small bowl, mix together the diced ham, shredded cheese, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to mix well, as this will help the flavors to distribute evenly.
4
Spread the ham and cheese mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Make sure to not overfill the pinwheels, as this can cause them to fall apart during cooking.
5
Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg, making sure to get it all the way around the edges. This will help the pastry to stick together during cooking.
6
Roll the pastry into a tight log, starting from the long side. Make sure to roll it tightly, as this will help the pinwheels to hold their shape during cooking.
7
Cut the log into 12 equal pieces, making sure to cut them evenly. This will help the pinwheels to cook evenly and prevent them from becoming too large or too small.
8
Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each pinwheel. Make sure to leave enough room for the pinwheels to spread out during cooking.
9
Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg, making sure to get it all the way around the edges. This will help the pastry to brown evenly during cooking.
10
Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they're golden brown and crispy on the outside. Make sure to check on them after 10 minutes, as this will help prevent them from overcooking.
11
Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This will help them to set and make them easier to handle.
12
Transfer the pinwheels to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them to cool down evenly and prevent them from becoming soggy.
13
Serve the pinwheels warm, or let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat them in the oven or microwave when needed.

Expert Tips

Make sure to thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions, as this will help it to roll out evenly and prevent it from tearing.
Don't overfill the pinwheels, as this can cause them to fall apart during cooking.
Use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, for a unique flavor.
Add some diced veggies, such as bell peppers or onions, to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use a sharp knife to cut the pinwheels, as this will help them to cook evenly and prevent them from becoming too large or too small.
Let the pinwheels cool completely before storing them, as this will help them to retain their shape and flavor.
Reheat the pinwheels in the oven or microwave when needed, and serve them warm for the best flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the pinwheels, which can cause them to fall apart during cooking.
Not leaving enough room between the pinwheels on the baking sheet, which can cause them to stick together during cooking.
Not brushing the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg, which can cause the pinwheels to not stick together during cooking.
Not checking on the pinwheels after 10 minutes, which can cause them to overcook and become too brown.
Not letting the pinwheels cool completely before storing them, which can cause them to become soggy and lose their flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced ham or bacon to the filling for a smoky flavor.
Use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, for a unique flavor.
Add some diced veggies, such as bell peppers or onions, to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use a different type of pastry, such as croissant or puff pastry, for a unique texture and flavor.
Add some fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the filling for a bright and fresh flavor.
Use a different type of meat, such as turkey or roast beef, for a unique flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

Serve the ham and cheese pinwheels warm, or let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat them in the oven or microwave when needed.

They're perfect for snacking, lunchboxes, or as a quick breakfast on-the-go. You can also serve them as a side dish or appetizer for parties and gatherings.

Serve the pinwheels with a side of fruit or salad for a quick and easy breakfast or lunch.Use the pinwheels as a snack or appetizer for parties and gatherings.Serve the pinwheels with a bowl of soup or chili for a comforting and satisfying meal.Use the pinwheels as a side dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.Serve the pinwheels with a side of chips or crackers for a quick and easy snack.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the ham and cheese pinwheels, let them cool completely on a wire rack. This will help them to retain their shape and flavor, and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Once they're cool, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat them in the oven or microwave when needed.

To reheat the pinwheels, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they're warm and crispy on the outside. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until they're warm and crispy on the outside.

Make sure to check on the pinwheels after reheating, as this will help prevent them from overcooking and becoming too brown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover ham and cheese to make the pinwheels?

Yes, you can use leftover ham and cheese to make the pinwheels. Simply chop the ham and cheese into small pieces and mix them together with the other ingredients.

Can I freeze the pinwheels for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the pinwheels for up to 2 months. Simply place them on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they're frozen solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for storage.

How do I reheat the pinwheels?

You can reheat the pinwheels in the oven or microwave. Simply place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they're warm and crispy on the outside. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until they're warm and crispy on the outside.

Can I use a different type of pastry to make the pinwheels?

Yes, you can use a different type of pastry to make the pinwheels. Simply roll out the pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch and follow the same instructions as for the puff pastry.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the filling, such as diced veggies or herbs. Simply mix them in with the ham and cheese and follow the same instructions as for the original recipe.

How do I prevent the pinwheels from becoming too brown?

To prevent the pinwheels from becoming too brown, make sure to check on them after 10 minutes of cooking. If they're getting too brown, you can cover them with foil to prevent them from overcooking.

Can I make the pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pinwheels ahead of time. Simply assemble the pinwheels and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

How do I serve the pinwheels?

You can serve the pinwheels warm, or let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat them in the oven or microwave when needed.

The Full Recipe

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