My Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a terrific make-ahead party food. They’re a guest favorite that can also take you to brunch! Add these to your buffet of easy party appetizers for girls night in and watch them disappear!
These delicious snacks are simple to make and can be frozen ahead of time for effortless last minute entertaining.
Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Today I’m sharing a classic recipe that’s always a winner with guests – ham & cheese puff pastry pinwheels.
There’s one thing I’ve noticed about some of my favorite appetizers – they mostly require “assembly” as opposed to a steadfast recipe. Case in point, my 3 favorite bacon appetizers recipes, and these 3 quick & easy cheese appetizers.
These pinwheels are crispy and flaky on the outside and savory and cheesy on the inside. While I think they taste best with Parmesan cheese, you can certainly substitute with cheddar or pepper Jack to add variety.
What makes this recipe so great
- It’s perfect for party appetizers or for Brunch!
- These are delicious when they’re warm but you can serve them at room temperature too.
- Make them ahead of time and freeze. Then bake them when you’re ready.
- Keep the ingredients on hand so you can make them on the fly.
HOSTESS TIP: always keep some basic ingredients on hand for last minute preparation.
More recipes with Puff Pastry
Easy Make-ahead Party Food
One of the things I love about this recipe is that you can make it ahead and freeze for later. I do this all the time! In fact, since a package of puff pastry comes with two sheets, you can make one for now and prep the other to freeze for later use.
For best results prepare the pastry and roll it up as directed. Then freeze before slicing and baking.
Easy Party Appetizer Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels
These ham & cheese puff pastry pinwheels are a party staple. From girls night in to brunch entertaining they taste great and are easy to make. Both adults and children love these!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough, thawed according to package
- 4-5 slices baked ham sandwich meat
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Dijon OR Sweet Hot mustard {I use whichever I have on hand}
Instructions
Roll out thawed pastry enough to flatten seams and stretch it slightly.
Spread a thin layer of mustard over dough; Place a single layer of ham; Top with shredded Parmesan.
Begin rolling up the dough lengthwise.
Once your dough is rolled and you have a long “tube” shape, wrap it in saran wrap, and place it into the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes before slicing.
Remove from refrigerator & remove saran wrap. Using a serrated knife {a large bread knife works best} begin slicing roll into 1/2 inch widths.
Place slices flat on baking sheet as shown above, and bake at 375 for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove from oven and serve.
Notes
To make these ahead for a later date, wrap the prepared pastry roll tightly with saran wrap and freeze. When ready to use remove from freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes or until you can cut the roll into slices. Bake as directed.
Ann says
Can these be made ahead? How would you store any uneaten ones?
Chris says
Ann, when I make these ahead, I prepare the “roll” and freeze it {as written in the directions}. When baking them, you can cook them an hour ahead – they’re fine at room temperature.
I store the uneaten ones in a plastic storage container and refrigerate. I reheat them in the oven to bring back the crispiness of the dough. 🙂