Easy Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Introduction

There’s something comforting about warm, cheesy, and flaky ham and cheese pinwheels straight out of the oven. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in. In this recipe, I’ll guide you through the process of making these delicious pinwheels step-by-step. Get ready to impress your guests or treat yourself to a scrumptious homemade snack.

Ingredients

To make these easy ham and cheese pinwheels, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed

– 8 slices of ham

– 8 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite variety)

– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

– 1/4 cup mayonnaise

– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and roll it out slightly to smooth any creases.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise until well combined.

4. Spread the mustard and mayonnaise mixture evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry.

Assembling the Pinwheels

1. Layer the ham slices on top of the mustard and mayonnaise mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface.

2. Place the cheese slices on top of the ham, again ensuring full coverage.

3. Starting from one of the shorter ends, tightly roll the puff pastry sheet into a log, similar to a jelly roll.

4. Once rolled, gently press the edges together to seal the log.

5. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels.

6. Place each pinwheel onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each one.

7. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Baking

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

2. Remove from the oven and allow the pinwheels to cool slightly before serving.

Variations

These ham and cheese pinwheels are versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

Keto Version

If you’re following a keto diet, you can easily adapt this recipe by using low-carb tortillas instead of puff pastry. Simply spread the mustard and mayonnaise mixture on the tortilla, layer the ham and cheese, roll it up, and slice into pinwheels. Bake as directed, and you’ll have delicious keto-friendly ham and cheese pinwheels.

FAQ

Q: Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can assemble the pinwheels, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop them in the oven and bake as directed.

Q: Can I freeze the ham and cheese pinwheels?

A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pinwheels for up to 3 months. After slicing the log into pinwheels, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pinwheels to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Ham and cheese pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing snack that are both easy to make and incredibly delicious. With their flaky pastry, savory ham, and gooey cheese, they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Try out this recipe and get creative with your own variations. Enjoy!