Oh my goodness, you have to try these easy baked ham and cheese pinwheels! They’ve saved me more times than I can count when I need a last-minute party snack or quick dinner idea. Just six simple ingredients – puff pastry, ham, cheese, Dijon mustard, egg wash, and sesame seeds (if you’re feeling fancy). That’s it! Thirty minutes from fridge to table, and suddenly you look like a kitchen rockstar.
I first made these for my niece’s birthday party when I realized (way too late) that I’d forgotten to prep appetizers. Panic set in until I remembered this genius combo sitting in my fridge. Twenty minutes later, golden-brown pinwheels were disappearing faster than I could plate them. Now they’re my secret weapon for every potluck, game night, or “I don’t feel like cooking” evening. The best part? Kids and adults go equally crazy for them!
What makes these pinwheels special is how the puff pastry gets all flaky and buttery while baking, hugging that salty ham and melty cheese in perfect little spirals. That touch of Dijon adds just enough zing without overpowering. Trust me, once you try these easy baked ham and cheese pinwheels, you’ll be making them on repeat like I do!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Easy Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels
These little spirals of joy are about to become your new best friend—here’s why:
- Minimal ingredients: Just six pantry staples stand between you and flaky, cheesy perfection. No fancy shopping required!
- Quick prep: 10 minutes to assemble, 20 to bake. Perfect for when hunger (or unexpected guests) strike.
- Crowd-pleasing magic: I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t light up when these golden swirls hit the table.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a double batch—freeze some unbaked for future emergencies (aka lazy nights).
- Kid-approved: My picky nephew calls them “hammy snails” and inhales them. Enough said.
Seriously, they’re the culinary equivalent of a high-five—fast, satisfying, and impossible to resist.
Ingredients for Easy Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels
Gather these six simple ingredients and you’re halfway to pinwheel perfection:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but still cold (I always keep a box in my freezer for emergencies!)
- 4 oz sliced ham, deli-thin works best for easy rolling
- 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese, packed – the sharper the better in my book
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – our secret flavor booster
- 1 egg, beaten (for that gorgeous golden shine)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, but so pretty!)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No ham? Turkey or chicken slices work great too! For cheese, I’ve used Swiss or pepper jack when I’m feeling adventurous. Skip the sesame seeds if you want, but they add lovely crunch. The key is keeping your puff pastry cold – thaw it in the fridge overnight, not on the counter. Warm dough equals sticky disaster (learned that the hard way!).
How to Make Easy Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels
Okay, let’s get these beauties rolling – literally! Don’t let the fancy swirls fool you; it’s crazy simple once you know the steps. Here’s my foolproof method for perfect pinwheels every time:
Step 1: Prep the Pastry
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) – trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference. Lightly flour your counter (I use about 1 tbsp) and unfold the puff pastry sheet. Roll it out just slightly with a floured rolling pin to smooth any creases. This is your canvas – keep it cold and work quickly so the butter doesn’t melt!
Step 2: Layer Fillings
Now the fun part! Spread that Dijon mustard evenly across the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Next comes the ham – I like to slightly overlap the slices like shingles for full coverage. Sprinkle your shredded cheese generously but evenly (no cheese mountains in one spot!). Pro tip: press the cheese lightly into the ham so it stays put when rolling.
Step 3: Roll and Slice
Starting from the long side, roll the pastry tightly into a log, tucking as you go. Seal the edge with a dab of water. Here’s where patience pays off – pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes if you have time (makes slicing cleaner). Use a sharp knife to cut 1-inch slices – wipe the blade between cuts for neat spirals.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet (they’ll puff up!). Brush with egg wash for that gorgeous golden shine and sprinkle sesame seeds if using. Bake 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden brown – your kitchen will smell amazing! Let cool just 5 minutes before serving warm.
They also pair deliciously with sides like a Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad.
Tips for Perfect Easy Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels
After making these pinwheels more times than I can count, here are my secret weapons for absolute perfection:
Chill before slicing: That 10-minute fridge break makes all the difference! A cold log gives you cleaner cuts so your spirals stay picture-perfect. No more squished edges.
Parchment is your friend: Skip the greased pan and use parchment paper instead. It prevents sticking without adding extra grease that can make bottoms soggy.
Serve warm: These are best fresh from the oven when the cheese is gooey. If they sit too long, just pop them back in the oven for 5 minutes to revive that magical crispness.
Great cold too – perfect for Homemade Lunchables.
Variations of Easy Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels
Want to mix things up? Oh honey, the possibilities are endless with these pinwheels! My favorite twists:
- Green goodness: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach leaves with the ham – it adds color and sneaks in veggies!
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for kick or Swiss for a milder flavor. Gruyère makes them fancy enough for brunch.
- Spice it up: Swap Dijon for spicy brown mustard or add a dash of hot sauce to the egg wash.
- Breakfast version: Use scrambled eggs instead of ham – perfect for Sunday mornings!
See? One recipe, a million delicious possibilities!
Serving and Storing Easy Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels
Oh, these pinwheels are absolute magic fresh from the oven when the cheese is still ooey-gooey! I always serve them warm on a big platter – they disappear fastest that way. If you must store them (who has leftovers?!), pop them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The fridge makes the pastry a bit sad, so here’s my trick: reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back that perfect crispness.
Want to get ahead? Freeze the unbaked pinwheel slices on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. When snack emergencies hit (and they will), bake straight from frozen, adding about 5 extra minutes. Works like a charm every time!
Love these pinwheels? You might also enjoy these quick snacks like Grilled Cheese Roll Ups or Hot Dog Nuggets – equally cheesy, equally crowd-pleasing!
Nutrition Information for Easy Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels
Okay, let’s talk numbers—but don’t worry, these little guys won’t wreck your diet! Each delicious pinwheel comes in at about 120 calories, with 5g protein to keep you satisfied. Here’s the full breakdown per serving (that’s one glorious pinwheel!):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g (3g saturated)
- Carbs: 7g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
A little note from my kitchen to yours: these numbers can change based on your specific ingredients. Used extra-sharp cheddar? Might be a tad more fat. Skipped the sesame seeds? Slightly fewer calories. That’s the beauty of homemade—you control what goes in!
Honestly? I don’t stress too much about the numbers with these. When something’s this easy and delicious, it’s all about enjoying every flaky, cheesy bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crescent dough instead of puff pastry?
Absolutely! Crescent dough works in a pinch—just know it’ll be softer than flaky puff pastry. Roll it out slightly thinner so your pinwheels hold their shape better during baking.
How do I prevent sogginess?
Two tricks: 1) Don’t overdo the mustard—a thin layer is plenty. 2) Bake until deeply golden. Those extra few minutes make all the difference for crisp bottoms!
Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Assemble the whole log, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate overnight. Slice and bake when ready—just add 2-3 extra minutes to the bake time since it’s starting cold.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Skip the microwave—it turns them rubbery. A quick 5 minutes in a 350°F oven brings back that perfect crispiness. Bonus: they’ll smell just-baked all over again!
Can I freeze baked pinwheels?
You bet! Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to bags. Reheat frozen at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. They won’t be quite as perfect as fresh, but still darn tasty!
Rate This Recipe
Okay friends, now I want to hear from YOU! Did these easy baked ham and cheese pinwheels become your new go-to like they did for me? Leave a quick rating below and tell me how they turned out in your kitchen—I read every single comment!
Did you make any fun twists? Maybe added some jalapeños or swapped the ham for turkey? Share your genius modifications so we can all benefit from your kitchen experiments. And if you ran into any little hiccups along the way, don’t be shy—tell me so I can help troubleshoot for next time!
Nothing makes me happier than seeing photos of YOUR pinwheel creations, so if you snapped a pic (we all know they’re too pretty not to photograph!), tag me on social. Seeing these golden swirls making people happy in kitchens across the world? That’s what cooking’s all about!
Now get rating—your feedback helps me create more recipes you’ll love. And who knows? Your tip might just help another home cook nail their perfect batch!
Print
6-Ingredient Easy Baked Ham And Cheese Pinwheels (Irresistible!)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Easy baked ham and cheese pinwheels made with just six ingredients. Perfect for parties, snacks, or quick meals.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz sliced ham
- 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface.
- Spread Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry.
- Layer ham and shredded cheese on top.
- Roll the pastry tightly into a log.
- Slice into 1-inch pieces and place on a baking sheet.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds (optional).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Substitute ham with turkey or chicken for variation.
- Serve warm for best taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
