Savory Ham Cheese Pinwheels

Featured in: Warm Baked Comforts

These golden pinwheels combine flaky puff pastry with thinly sliced ham and grated cheddar cheese for a savory treat. Dijon mustard and black pepper add subtle depth while baking produces a crisp, golden exterior. Perfect as a snack or party finger food, these pinwheels are easy to prepare, requiring just rolling, slicing, and baking. Versatile and flavorful, they can be customized with herbs or different meats and served warm or at room temperature.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:40:00 GMT
Golden, flaky savory Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Rolls fresh from the oven, offering a warm bite. Save to Pinterest
Golden, flaky savory Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Rolls fresh from the oven, offering a warm bite. | orchardbowl.com

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

This recipe has become a favorite at my family gatherings because everyone loves the combination of ham and cheese wrapped in flaky pastry.

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

Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare pastry:
Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
Spread mustard:
Spread Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry, if using.
Arrange ham:
Arrange ham slices evenly over the mustard, leaving a 1 cm border along one long edge.
Add cheese and pepper:
Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the ham. Season lightly with black pepper.
Roll pastry:
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.
Slice roll:
Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 16 equal pieces.
Arrange pinwheels:
Place pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Brush with egg wash:
Brush tops with beaten egg.
Bake:
Bake for 18 20 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Cool and serve:
Cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
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| orchardbowl.com

These pinwheels are always a hit with my kids when shared during family movie nights.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a honey-mustard dipping sauce or alongside a fresh green salad for a complete appetizer or snack experience.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven to crisp up before serving.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (cheese), and pork (ham). Always check packaging as pastry may contain traces of nuts or soy.

Mouthwatering close-up of Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Rolls, with melted cheese and perfectly browned pastry. Save to Pinterest
Mouthwatering close-up of Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Rolls, with melted cheese and perfectly browned pastry. | orchardbowl.com

Perfect warm or at room temperature, these pinwheels are an irresistible treat that will quickly disappear at any gathering.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I substitute the ham with another meat?

Yes, turkey or chicken slices work well as alternatives for ham in the pinwheels.

What type of cheese is best for these pinwheels?

Cheddar or Swiss cheese provides a great melt and flavor combination with the ham.

How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?

Use chilled puff pastry and ensure fillings are not too moist. Baking until golden helps keep it crisp.

Is Dijon mustard necessary in the filling?

It’s optional but adds a subtle tang that complements the ham and cheese nicely.

Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate them before baking. Bake fresh for best crispness before serving.

What’s the best way to serve these pinwheels?

Serve warm or at room temperature, alone or with a honey-mustard dipping sauce or fresh salad.

Savory Ham Cheese Pinwheels

Flaky pastry rolls with ham and melted cheese, ideal for appetizers or finger foods.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Sophie Alden

Recipe Type Warm Baked Comforts

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Origin International

Makes 16 Number of Servings

Dietary Details None specified

What You'll Need

Pastry

01 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry (about 8.8 oz; chilled, not frozen)

Filling

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

For Baking

01 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Baking Surface: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Unroll Pastry: Place the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and unroll it gently.

Step 03

Apply Mustard: Evenly spread Dijon mustard over the pastry sheet, if using.

Step 04

Arrange Ham: Distribute ham slices evenly over the mustard, leaving a 0.4-inch border along one long edge.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Slice Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 16 equal pieces.

Step 08

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

Step 09

Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with beaten egg.

Step 10

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until golden and crisp.

Step 11

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

Equipment Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Warnings

Review all components for possible allergens and seek medical guidance if needed.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (cheese), and pork (ham). May contain traces of nuts or soy; check packaging.

Nutrition Info (for each serving)

Details here are for your reference and aren't a substitute for professional advice.
  • Total Calories: 95
  • Total Fat: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 7 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams