Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are the ultimate savory snack—crispy, flaky layers of buttery puff pastry wrapped around melty cheese and salty ham with just the right touch of Dijon zing. Whether you’re hosting brunch, throwing together a last-minute lunch, or need an appetizer that wows with minimal effort, this one’s a total keeper. The best part? They come together in 30 minutes flat, and they’re just as good warm as they are at room temp (if they even last that long).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy and savory, with the perfect balance of crisp and melty
• Quick to prep—just 10 minutes of hands-on time
• Freezer-friendly before baking, so you can make ahead with ease
• A total crowd-pleaser for brunches, parties, or snack boards
• Customizable with your favorite deli meats or cheeses

Recipe Snapshot

Feature	Details
Category	Lunch / Appetizer
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	18–20 minutes
Total Time	~30 minutes
Servings	About 12 pinwheels
Focus Keyphrase	ham and cheese puff pastry pinwheels

Ingredients

You only need a handful of pantry/fridge staples to pull these off:

• Puff pastry sheet – Your flaky, buttery blank canvas. Thaw it just enough to roll without cracking.
• Ham – Thinly sliced deli ham adds savory richness. Honey, smoked, or Black Forest all work great.
• Cheese – Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix for melty, gooey goodness.
• Egg – A simple egg wash gives these their signature golden top.
• Dijon mustard (optional) – Adds a little zippy flair underneath all the layers.
• Italian seasoning or parsley (optional) – For a pretty pop of green and extra flavor on top.

✨ Exact measurements are waiting for you in the recipe card at the bottom—scroll when you’re ready to bake!

How to Make Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

1. Preheat & Prep

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Let the puff pastry thaw until just pliable.

2. Layer the Good Stuff

Unroll the puff pastry on a floured surface. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (if using). Evenly lay down ham slices, then sprinkle cheese all over.

3. Roll It Up

Roll the pastry tightly into a log from the long edge. Chill it in the fridge for 5–10 minutes to firm it up—this helps you slice perfect spirals.

4. Slice into Pinwheels

Cut the log into ½-inch pieces using a sharp knife. Place them spiral-side up on the baking sheet.

5. Brush & Bake

Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with herbs, if using. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and puffed to perfection.

6. Cool Slightly & Serve

Let them sit for 5 minutes before serving. They’re best warm but still delish at room temp.

Pro Tips

• Use a cold pastry and chill the roll before slicing for clean, sharp pinwheels.
• Avoid overfilling—too much cheese can leak during baking.
• Want extra crunch? Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before baking.

Flavor Variations

• Turkey & Swiss – A Thanksgiving-friendly twist!
• Ham & Pineapple – Yep, a Hawaiian-style pinwheel (trust me, it works).
• Bacon, Egg & Cheese – Breakfast pinwheel magic.
• Spinach & Feta – A vegetarian-friendly option with a Mediterranean flair.

Serving Suggestions

• As part of a brunch grazing board with fruit, pastries, and mimosas
• Paired with tomato soup or creamy dips for lunch
• Packed in a lunchbox—kids and adults love these!
• As finger food for parties, game nights, or potlucks

Craving even more cheesy, puff-pastry magic? You’ve got to check out my Little Caesars Crazy Puffs Review & Recipe! It’s like if pizza and a savory pastry had a deliciously chaotic baby—trust me, it’s a must-try.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

To make ahead: Assemble the roll, wrap tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Slice and bake fresh.
To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To freeze: Freeze the unbaked roll or individual slices. Bake from frozen with 3–5 extra minutes.
To reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes until hot and crisp.

FAQ

Can you prep puff pastry pinwheels the night before?
Yes, and it’s a total time-saver! Simply assemble the puff pastry roll with ham and cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, slice and bake for freshly puffed, golden spirals. You can even pre-slice them and refrigerate on a tray if you want to save even more time.

How long do you cook puff pastry pinwheels for?
Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–20 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and deeply golden brown on top. Every oven’s a little different, so keep an eye on them after the 15-minute mark!

Can you prep pinwheels the night before?
Yes, whether they’re made with puff pastry, tortillas, or crescent rolls, pinwheels are very prep-friendly. Just keep them tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to bake or serve.

How do you get pinwheels to stick together?
A few tricks! First, don’t skip chilling—refrigerating the rolled-up pastry for 5–10 minutes before slicing helps keep the shape. Second, use a light layer of mustard, mayo, or cheese inside as a “glue.” Finally, roll tightly and seal the edge with a bit of egg wash or water before slicing.

Final Thoughts

These ham and cheese puff pastry pinwheels are the kind of snack that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something warm, flaky, and cheesy—you’re going to fall in love with how versatile and addictive these little spirals are. Cozy, golden, and full of flavor? That’s a vibe we can get behind.