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American

Holiday Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

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

hot_biteEasyAmerican
Prep20 minCook20 minTotal40 minServes24Temphot
⚠ Contains: 🌾 Gluten, 🥚 Egg, 🥛 Dairy
Recipe
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. 1Roll puff pastry on lightly floured surface to 12x10 inch rectangle
  2. 2Spread honey mustard evenly over entire surface
  3. 3Layer ham slices in single layer, then Swiss cheese on top
  4. 4Starting from long edge, roll tightly into log
  5. 5Wrap log in plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes until firm
  6. 6Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheet with parchment
  7. 7Slice log into 1/2-inch rounds using sharp knife
  8. 8Arrange pinwheels on baking sheet, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with poppy seeds
  9. 9Bake 18-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown
  10. 10Serve warm with extra honey mustard for dipping
Notes
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 & Origin

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.

Cocktail Pairings
Pairs Well With
champagnewinebeerwhiskey
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American◆Easy