Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy snack, party appetizer, or even a fun lunch idea, let me introduce you to one of my favorites β Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels! π These little bites are warm, cheesy, flaky, and packed with flavor.
Iβve made them for everything from lazy weekends to family get-togethers, and theyβre always a hit. π
Theyβre made with just a few simple ingredients, and the best part? You can whip them up in about 30 minutes! Whether you’re feeding kids or hosting friends, these pinwheels never disappoint.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed) or crescent roll dough
- 6β8 slices of deli ham π
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using Swiss or cheddar!) π§
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little extra flavor)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Dried parsley or sesame seeds for topping (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface. If you’re using crescent dough, pinch the seams together to make one smooth sheet.
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard if you like a little tang, then layer on the ham slices evenly across the dough. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
Now, starting from one edge, roll the dough up tightly like a jelly roll. Slice it into 1-inch-thick pieces using a sharp knife. I usually get about 10 to 12 pinwheels.
Place the pinwheels flat-side down on your baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for that golden color β¨. Sprinkle with parsley or sesame seeds if youβd like a fancy finish.
Bake for 15β20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving (they smell amazing right out of the oven!).
Tips & Variations
You can get creative with these! Swap the ham for turkey, salami, or even cooked bacon. Add a slice of tomato or a few spinach leaves for something extra.
Donβt have puff pastry? No worries β crescent roll dough works great too!
For a spicy twist, try spreading a little sriracha mayo or spicy mustard instead of Dijon. Want to make them ahead? Just assemble, cover, and refrigerate. Then bake when ready!
Storage
These pinwheels are best fresh, but they also reheat well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a crispy finish π₯
Nutrition Info (Approx. per pinwheel)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
Final Thoughts
These Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are one of those easy recipes that feel fancy but are super simple to make. Theyβre crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and addictive.
Perfect for kids, adults, or anyone who loves melty cheese and buttery pastry π Give them a try β youβll be glad you did!