Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a simple and delicious appetizer, perfect for holiday parties or any special occasion. The flaky puff pastry, savory ham, and melted cheese make for an irresistible combination. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 100g (3.5 oz) cooked ham, thinly sliced
- 150g (5 oz) cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss), grated
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh herbs (optional, like thyme or parsley, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the puff pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases.
- If you prefer, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the pastry for extra flavor.
- Assemble the pinwheels:
- Evenly layer the ham slices over the puff pastry.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the ham.
- Optionally, add some fresh herbs or a pinch of black pepper for added flavor.
- Roll up the pastry:
- Starting from one edge, carefully roll up the pastry into a tight log or cylinder. Ensure it is rolled tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Cut into pinwheels:
- Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry into about 1-inch wide pinwheels.
- Apply egg wash:
- Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.
- Bake:
- Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and puffed up.
- Serve:
- Let the pinwheels cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm and crispy!
Tips:
- Customization: You can add other ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Cheese varieties: Feel free to mix cheeses, such as cheddar with mozzarella, for a gooey, melty filling.
- Make ahead: You can prepare these pinwheels a day ahead. Just refrigerate the assembled pinwheels and bake when ready to serve.
These ham and cheese pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing snack that combines ease with deliciousness, making them an ideal choice for holiday gatherings!