Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Puff pastry: A light, flaky dough that puffs up when baked, creating a deliciously crispy texture.

Ham: Thinly sliced, savory meat that pairs perfectly with cheese.

Shredded cheese: Adds a creamy, melty texture and rich flavor to the pinwheels.

Mustard: Optional, but provides a tangy kick that complements the other ingredients.

When rolling out the puff pastry, ensure it is evenly thin to avoid uneven cooking. Use a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. For a more flavorful twist, consider adding a sprinkle of herbs like thyme or oregano over the mustard before layering the ham and cheese. This will add an extra layer of complexity to the pinwheels.

• puff pastry - Substitute with crescent roll dough: Crescent roll dough is similarly flaky and buttery, making it a good alternative for creating pinwheels.

• puff pastry - Substitute with tortilla: Tortillas can be used for a lighter, less flaky version of pinwheels, ideal for a different texture.

• ham - Substitute with turkey: Turkey slices offer a leaner option while still providing a similar savory flavor.

• ham - Substitute with roast beef: Roast beef adds a richer, more robust flavor to the pinwheels.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with sliced cheese: Sliced cheese can be layered easily and melts well, providing a similar texture and flavor.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with cream cheese: Cream cheese offers a creamy texture and can be flavored with herbs or spices for added taste.

• mustard - Substitute with mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds a creamy texture and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative to mustard.

• mustard - Substitute with pesto: Pesto provides a fresh, herby flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

• Allow the ham and cheese pinwheels to cool completely after baking. This prevents condensation and sogginess when storing.

• Place the cooled pinwheels in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. This keeps the puff pastry crisp and the cheese fresh.

• For longer storage, freeze the pinwheels. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the pinwheels to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat the pinwheels directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.

• Alternatively, thaw the pinwheels in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This ensures even warming and maintains the texture.

• Avoid microwaving the pinwheels as it can make the puff pastry soggy. The oven method ensures they remain flaky and delicious.

• If you prefer a quicker option, use a toaster oven for reheating. This method also helps retain the crispiness of the puff pastry.

• Enjoy your ham and cheese pinwheels as a quick snack, appetizer, or even a delightful addition to your brunch spread.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover ham and cheese pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This method helps retain the crispiness of the puff pastry.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pinwheels on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook. This is a quick and efficient way to reheat a small batch.

• Microwave Method: Place the pinwheels on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking at intervals. Note that this method may make the puff pastry less crispy.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the pinwheels in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispiness while reheating quickly.

• Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the pinwheels in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the puff pastry is crispy. This method is great for achieving a golden-brown exterior.

• Oven: Used to bake the pinwheels at the required temperature of 400°F (200°C).

• Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to place the pinwheels on for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lining for the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

• Rolling pin: Used to roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.

• Knife: Essential for cutting the rolled puff pastry log into ½-inch slices.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the rolled puff pastry log.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure out 1 cup of shredded cheese accurately.

• Tablespoon: Used to measure the optional 1 tablespoon of mustard.

• Cooling rack: Allows the pinwheels to cool slightly before serving.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Pre-sliced ham: Opt for pre-sliced ham to avoid the hassle of slicing it at home.

Thaw puff pastry overnight: Thaw the puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight to ensure it's ready to use.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Batch preparation: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick snack later.