Savory Ham Cheese Pinwheels

Featured in: Soft Sweet Home Bakes

These pinwheels feature flaky puff pastry rolled tightly around slices of savory ham and grated cheddar cheese, highlighted with a light touch of Dijon mustard and black pepper. Baked until golden and crisp, each bite offers a delightful balance of flaky texture and rich, melted cheese. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they can be served warm or at room temperature. Variations include turkey or chicken slices and added herbs for extra flavor.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:01:00 GMT
Golden Savory Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Rolls, baked to a crispy, delicious, appetizer. Pin it
Golden Savory Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Rolls, baked to a crispy, delicious, appetizer. | plumcrescent.com

Flaky, golden pastry spirals filled with savory ham and melted cheese—perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party finger food.

This recipe makes a perfect appetizer for gatherings and has always been a hit with my family.

Ingredients

  • Pastry: 1 sheet (about 250 g) ready-rolled puff pastry (chilled, not frozen)
  • Filling: 100 g thinly sliced cooked ham
  • Filling: 100 g grated cheddar cheese (or Swiss cheese)
  • Filling: 2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Filling: Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • For Baking: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

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Step 1:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
Step 3:
Spread Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry, if using.
Step 4:
Arrange ham slices evenly over the mustard, leaving a 1 cm border along one long edge.
Step 5:
Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the ham. Season lightly with black pepper.
Step 6:
Starting from the long edge without the border, tightly roll up the pastry into a log, sealing the edge with a bit of beaten egg.
Step 7:
Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 16 equal pieces.
Step 8:
Place pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 9:
Brush tops with beaten egg.
Step 10:
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Step 11:
Cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
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Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
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Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
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Perfectly baked, flaky Savory Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Rolls; a delightful finger food, ready to eat. Pin it
Perfectly baked, flaky Savory Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Rolls; a delightful finger food, ready to eat. | plumcrescent.com

My family loves to gather around the kitchen counter while I prepare these, making it a cherished tradition.

Notes

Substitute turkey or chicken slices for ham if preferred. Add chopped chives, caramelized onions, or a pinch of paprika for extra flavor. Serve with a honey-mustard dipping sauce or alongside a green salad.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, parchment paper, sharp knife, pastry brush, rolling pin (optional)

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (cheese), and pork (ham). May contain traces of nuts or soy if present in the pastry—always check packaging.

Warm, cheesy Savory Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Rolls, ideal snack with a soft, flavorful ham filling. Pin it
Warm, cheesy Savory Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Rolls, ideal snack with a soft, flavorful ham filling. | plumcrescent.com
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Enjoy these savory pinwheels warm for the best flavor and flaky texture.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of pastry is best for these pinwheels?

Ready-rolled puff pastry works best, providing a light and flaky texture when baked.

Can I substitute the ham with other proteins?

Yes, you can use thinly sliced turkey or chicken for a different flavor profile.

How do I ensure the pinwheels stay sealed while baking?

Use a bit of beaten egg along the edge of the rolled pastry to seal it tightly before slicing.

Is it necessary to use Dijon mustard in the filling?

Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang but can be omitted if preferred without compromising flavor.

Can these pinwheels be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate them before baking. Bake just before serving for best results.

Savory Ham Cheese Pinwheels

Flaky pastry spirals with ham and melted cheese, ideal for parties and snacks.

Prep time
15 minutes
Time to cook
20 minutes
Overall time
35 minutes
Created by Avery Hayes

Recipe type Soft Sweet Home Bakes

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type International

Total made 16 Portions

Dietary details None specified

Ingredient list

Pastry

01 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry, chilled (approx. 8.8 oz)

Filling

01 3.5 oz thinly sliced cooked ham
02 3.5 oz grated cheddar cheese or Swiss cheese
03 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional)
04 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Baking

01 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

How-to

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare pastry base: Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface.

Step 03

Add mustard layer: Spread Dijon mustard evenly over the dough if using.

Step 04

Layer ham slices: Arrange the ham slices evenly over the mustard, leaving a 0.4-inch (1 cm) border along one long edge.

Step 05

Add cheese and seasoning: Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the ham and season lightly with freshly ground black pepper.

Step 06

Roll pastry tightly: Starting from the long edge without the border, roll the pastry tightly into a log, sealing the edge with a small amount of beaten egg.

Step 07

Slice into pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 16 equal pieces.

Step 08

Arrange on baking sheet: Place the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared tray, spacing them slightly apart.

Step 09

Apply egg wash: Brush the tops of each pinwheel with beaten egg to enhance browning.

Step 10

Bake until golden: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and crisp.

Step 11

Cool and serve: Allow pinwheels to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.

Tools Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Pastry brush
  • Rolling pin (optional)

Allergy warnings

Review all ingredients for allergy risks and speak with your healthcare provider if you're concerned.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (cheese), and pork (ham). May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on pastry ingredients.

Nutrition details (per portion)

These details are for reference and shouldn't replace healthcare advice.
  • Calorie count: 95
  • Fat content: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 7 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams