Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 6-8 slices of ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dried herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle.
3. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard evenly over the puff pastry sheet (if using).
4. Layer the slices of ham evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the ham layer. Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs if desired.
6. Starting from one edge, tightly roll the puff pastry into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
7. Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each pinwheel.
8. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with beaten egg for a golden finish.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked ham and cheese pinwheels as a snack or appetizer!

Substitutions and Variations

1. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese to change up the flavor. You can use Swiss cheese, Gouda, pepper jack, or even a combination of cheeses for added complexity.
2. Meat Substitutions: If you don’t have ham on hand or prefer a different type of meat, you can substitute it with turkey slices, cooked bacon strips, salami, or even shredded cooked chicken.
3. Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat altogether and make vegetarian pinwheels by using thinly sliced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also add a layer of pesto or tomato sauce for extra flavor.
4. Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley, basil, or chives to the cheese mixture for a burst of freshness and flavor.
5. Spice it Up: For a kick of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture before rolling up the pinwheels.
6. Sweet and Savory: Incorporate a sweet element by spreading a thin layer of fig jam, apricot preserves, or honey mustard along with the mustard before adding the ham and cheese. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will elevate the pinwheels.
7. Nutty Twist: Sprinkle some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans over the cheese layer before rolling up the pinwheels for added crunch and nutty flavor.
8. Glazing Options: Instead of using an egg wash, you can brush the tops of the pinwheels with melted butter for a richer flavor. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for added texture and flavor.

Expert Tips

 

1. Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: Make sure to thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions. Thawing it too quickly or not enough can affect its texture and make it difficult to work with.
2. Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality ham and cheese for the best flavor. Opt for thinly sliced deli ham and freshly shredded cheese for optimal taste and texture.
3. Evenly Spread Fillings: Spread the mustard, ham, and cheese evenly over the puff pastry sheet to ensure that each pinwheel has a balanced flavor in every bite.
4. Leave a Border: Leave a small border around the edges of the puff pastry when layering the fillings. This will prevent the fillings from oozing out when rolling up the pinwheels.
5. Roll Tightly: Roll the puff pastry into a tight log to ensure that the pinwheels hold their shape while baking. Use gentle pressure and take your time to roll evenly.
6. Chill Before Slicing: For easier slicing, chill the rolled puff pastry log in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before cutting into pinwheels. This will firm up the dough, making it easier to slice cleanly.
7. Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife to slice the puff pastry log into pinwheels. A dull knife can squash the layers and cause the fillings to spill out.
8. Egg Wash for Golden Brown Color: Brushing the tops of the pinwheels with beaten egg before baking will give them a beautiful golden brown color and a shiny finish.
9. Evenly Spaced Pinwheels: Arrange the pinwheels on the baking sheet with even spacing between each one. This allows for proper airflow and ensures that they bake evenly.
10. Serve Warm: Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are best served warm, straight from the oven. However, they can also be served at room temperature. If reheating, place them in a preheated oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Benefits:

1. Quick and Easy: Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are simple to make and require minimal ingredients and prep time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
2. Versatile: You can customize the fillings in Ham and Cheese Pinwheels to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions, making them a versatile snack or appetizer option.
3. Portable: Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are portable and convenient, making them ideal for picnics, lunchboxes, potlucks, or as party finger foods.
4. Kid-Friendly: Children often enjoy the combination of ham and cheese, making Ham and Cheese Pinwheels a kid-friendly snack or meal option.
5. Great for Entertaining: Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are elegant enough to serve at parties or gatherings as an appetizer, yet simple enough to enjoy as a casual snack.

Nutrition Facts: The nutritional content of Ham and Cheese Pinwheels can vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, here’s a general overview of the approximate nutritional values per serving (one pinwheel):

• Calories: 100-150 kcal
• Protein: 5-8 grams
• Carbohydrates: 8-12 grams
• Fat: 6-10 grams
• Fiber: 0-1 gram
• Sodium: 200-400 milligrams
• Sugar: 0-1 gram

FAQs:

1. Can I make Ham and Cheese Pinwheels ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels ahead of time, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled pinwheels for up to one month, then bake them from frozen (adding a few extra minutes to the baking time).
2. Can I use store-bought puff pastry for Ham and Cheese Pinwheels? Yes, store-bought puff pastry works well for making Ham and Cheese Pinwheels. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using.
3. Can I make Ham and Cheese Pinwheels without meat? Absolutely! You can omit the ham or replace it with vegetarian alternatives like sliced vegetables or plant-based protein options.
4. Are Ham and Cheese Pinwheels suitable for a party or gathering? Yes, Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or any occasion where finger foods are desired. They’re easy to make in large batches and are always a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion: Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are a delicious and versatile snack or appetizer option that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With their flaky puff pastry, savory ham, and gooey cheese filling, they’re sure to satisfy cravings and impress guests. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a lunch, or simply looking for a quick and tasty snack, Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are a fantastic choice that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.