Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are a warm, golden, and irresistibly cheesy savory treat. Wrapped in buttery puff pastry, these pinwheels are filled with savory ham, melted cheese, and lightly seasoned with herbs and poppy seeds. They’re quick to prepare and perfect for everything from weekend brunches to holiday parties or cozy snacks by the fire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pinwheels combine classic ingredients in a delightful and flaky pastry shell. Here’s what makes them a go-to favorite:

Fast and easy: Just a few simple steps and less than 30 minutes to serve.
Crowd-pleasing: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and party platters.
Versatile: Great as appetizers, breakfast bites, or light meals.
Flaky and flavorful: Puff pastry delivers the perfect crisp texture with every bite.
Customizable: Easily switch up the meats, cheeses, or seasonings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

puff pastry, thawed
deli ham
shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
Dijon mustard (optional)
egg (for egg wash)
poppy seeds
fresh thyme leaves
salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a rectangle.
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the pastry, if using.
Lay the slices of ham evenly over the surface, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Starting from the long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log.
Slice the roll into 1-inch pieces and place the pinwheels flat on the prepared baking sheet.
Beat the egg and brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash for a glossy, golden finish.
Sprinkle each pinwheel with poppy seeds, fresh thyme, and a light pinch of salt and pepper.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Serve warm and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 pinwheels
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Calories per Serving: 185 kcal

Variations

Add vegetables: Include thinly sliced spinach or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
Make it spicy: Use pepper jack cheese or add a few red pepper flakes for heat.
Try a different meat: Substitute ham with turkey, prosciutto, or cooked bacon.
Use other herbs: Replace thyme with rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning.
Cheese blend: Combine mozzarella with parmesan or Gruyère for richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispness of the pastry.

Freezing: Freeze unbaked pinwheels on a baking tray until solid, then store in freezer-safe bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble the pinwheels and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I need to use Dijon mustard?

No, it’s optional. Dijon adds a tangy layer of flavor, but the pinwheels are delicious without it as well.

Can I use pre-rolled puff pastry?

Absolutely. Pre-rolled puff pastry is convenient and works perfectly for this recipe.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar and Swiss are excellent, but you can also use Gruyère, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites.

How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Be sure not to overload with fillings and bake until fully golden and crisp.

Can I make a vegetarian version?

Yes. Omit the ham and use roasted vegetables and your favorite cheese instead.

Are these good for lunchboxes?

Yes, they make great cold or room-temperature snacks, though best enjoyed fresh or reheated.

Can I use phyllo dough instead?

Puff pastry is recommended for the best texture, but phyllo can be used in layers with butter if desired.

Should I let the puff pastry come to room temperature?

Yes, slightly thawed puff pastry is easier to roll and shape without cracking.

How do I make them evenly shaped?

Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut clean slices, and space them evenly on the baking sheet.

Conclusion

Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are a quick, elegant, and endlessly customizable savory treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a brunch addition, or a cozy snack, these cheesy, herbed pinwheels offer the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. With their golden puff pastry crust and warm, melty center, they’re sure to become a staple in your entertaining and weekday recipe collection.

Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

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These Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are the perfect savory pastry snack—flaky, cheesy, and packed with flavor. With layers of deli ham, melty cheese, and optional Dijon mustard rolled in puff pastry, they bake up golden and irresistible. Ideal for brunches, parties, or easy entertaining!

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 12 pinwheels
Category: Appetizer, Brunch, Snack
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American, European

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle.
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the pastry if using.
Lay ham slices evenly over the pastry and top with shredded cheese.
Roll the pastry tightly from the long edge into a log.
Slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels and arrange them flat on the prepared baking sheet.
Beat the egg and brush the tops of the pinwheels with it.
Sprinkle with poppy seeds, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden.
Serve warm as a snack, brunch item, or party appetizer.

Notes

You can swap the ham for turkey or prosciutto and try other herbs like rosemary or chives.
For extra crispiness, chill the rolled log for 15 minutes before slicing.
Make-ahead friendly: prep, refrigerate, and bake fresh when ready.

Nutrition

Calories: 185 kcal per pinwheel