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hot_biteEasyAmerican

Holiday Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Swirled puff pastry rounds with honey ham, Swiss cheese, and honey mustard glaze

⏱️ Prep: 20min🍳 Cook: 20min⏰ Total: 40min👥 Serves: 24🌡️ hot
⚠️ Contains: 🌾 Gluten, 🥚 Egg, 🥛 Dairy

Ingredients

  • 1 sheetpuff pastry(thawed)
  • 4 ozdeli ham(thinly sliced)
  • 4 ozSwiss cheese(thinly sliced)
  • 3 tbsphoney mustard(plus more for serving)
  • 1 largeegg(beaten for egg wash)
  • 1 tbsppoppy seeds(for topping)

📝 Make Ahead

Rolled log can be frozen for up to 2 months. Slice and bake from frozen, adding 3-4 minutes to baking time. Perfect make-ahead holiday appetizer.

Instructions

  1. Roll puff pastry on lightly floured surface to 12x10 inch rectangle
  2. Spread honey mustard evenly over entire surface
  3. Layer ham slices in single layer, then Swiss cheese on top
  4. Starting from long edge, roll tightly into log
  5. Wrap log in plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes until firm
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheet with parchment
  7. Slice log into 1/2-inch rounds using sharp knife
  8. Arrange pinwheels on baking sheet, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with poppy seeds
  9. Bake 18-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown
  10. Serve warm with extra honey mustard for dipping

💡 Pro Tips

Chilling the rolled log is essential for clean slices. A serrated knife works best for cutting. Leave small gaps between filling and edges so pinwheels seal properly. Experiment with different cheeses and add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or pesto.

📜 History

Pinwheel appetizers became popular in American entertaining during the 1970s and 80s as an easy way to create impressive-looking party food. The ham and cheese combination echoes the beloved ham and cheese croissant, made more accessible with store-bought puff pastry.

🍸 Pairs Well With

Also pairs well with:

champagnewinebeerwhiskey