Easter Ham Cheddar Pinwheels (Printable)

Golden puff pastry spirals filled with savory ham, sharp cheddar, and herbs. A stunning appetizer that comes together in under 35 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pastry Components

01 - 1 sheet puff pastry (approximately 8.8 oz / 250 g), thawed if frozen
02 - 1 large egg, for egg wash
03 - 1 tablespoon milk or water, for egg wash

→ Filling Ingredients

04 - 4 oz thinly sliced cooked ham
05 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (approximately 3.5 oz / 100 g)
06 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives or parsley
07 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - On a lightly floured surface, unroll or roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle approximately 10 x 12 inches.
03 - Spread the Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry surface, leaving a ½-inch border on one long edge.
04 - Arrange ham slices over the mustard. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped herbs, and a pinch of black pepper.
05 - Starting from the long edge opposite the border, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Seal the edge with a small amount of water.
06 - Wrap the log in plastic wrap and place in freezer for 10 minutes to firm. This step ensures clean, even slices.
07 - Whisk together the egg and milk or water until thoroughly combined.
08 - Cut the chilled log into ½-inch thick pinwheels, yielding approximately 24 pieces. Place cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet with slight spacing between each.
09 - Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the egg wash mixture.
10 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
11 - Transfer pinwheels to a wire rack for a brief cooling period before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • They come together in under 30 minutes but look like you spent all day planning them
  • The combination of smoky ham and sharp cheddar is absolutely addictive
  • You can prep the log ahead and slice them right before guests arrive
02 -
  • Refrigerate the puff pastry while you prep the filling. Cold pastry is the secret to flaky layers.
  • Use a sharp knife and saw gently through the log instead of pressing down. Squished pinwheels still taste great but lose their pretty spiral shape.
03 -
  • Place the baking sheet in the fridge for 5 minutes after slicing. Cold pinwheels hold their shape better in the oven.
  • Rotate the pan halfway through baking. Even browning makes them look as good as they taste.

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