Festive Christmas Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe for Jolly Snacking

My kitchen adventure with christmas ham and cheese pinwheels began accidentally during a chaotic holiday gathering.

Unexpected guests arrived, demanding quick appetizers that could wow everyone’s taste buds.

Soft tortillas became my secret weapon for crafting these delightful spiraled treats.

Layers of salty ham and melty cheese rolled into perfect bite-sized morsels created instant magic.

Creamy textures and savory flavors blend seamlessly in each compact little wheel.

Simple ingredients transformed into something spectacular never fails to impress hungry crowds.

Pinwheel Pros That Keep Them Disappearing

• Whip Up Holiday Elegance: Perfectly blends festive charm with gourmet simplicity, creating an impressive appetizer that looks professionally crafted.
• Breeze Through Preparation: Super quick and easy recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, making it ideal for both novice and experienced home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Versatile pinwheels work wonderfully for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and casual get-togethers, satisfying different taste preferences with classic ham and cheese combination.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows personal touches like adding different mustards, switching cheese types, or incorporating herbs to match individual preferences.

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels (Christmas) Ingredients

• Puff Pastry: Buttery and flaky base for the pinwheels.
• Ham Slices: Classic protein for a savory filling.
• Cheese Slices: Melty and rich topping for extra flavor.

• Dijon Mustard: Optional tangy spread for extra zest.
• Egg Wash: Shiny golden coating for the pastry.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Used for rolling out pastry surface.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance taste.

Christmas Ham and Cheese Pinwheels: How to Make

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Base

Sprinkle a light dusting of flour on your clean countertop. Gently unroll the puff pastry sheet, creating a smooth rectangular surface. For an extra flavor kick, spread a thin, tangy layer of Dijon mustard across the entire pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 2: Layer Savory Ingredients

Arrange ham slices evenly over the mustard-coated pastry, ensuring complete coverage. Follow with a layer of cheese slices, creating a delicious landscape of flavors and textures.

Step 3: Create the Pinwheel Roll

Carefully start rolling the pastry from the long side, creating a tight, compact log. Use gentle, consistent pressure to ensure the ingredients stay securely inside. Press the final edge to seal the roll completely.

Step 4: Slice and Prepare

Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick pinwheel slices. Place each pinwheel carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the top of each pinwheel with egg wash to create a beautiful golden finish. Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the pinwheels are puffed and achieve a gorgeous golden-brown color.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the warm pinwheels for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

Pinwheel Tips That Mix Ham and Cheese for a Holiday Bite

• Select Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality ham and cheese for the best flavor profile and most delicious pinwheels.
• Prevent Soggy Pastry: Pat ham and cheese dry before layering to avoid excess moisture that can make puff pastry soggy and lose its crispy texture.
• Chill Before Cutting: Refrigerate rolled log for 15 minutes to help pinwheels maintain their shape and create cleaner, more precise slices.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Swap ham for turkey, add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or include caramelized onions for extra depth and personalization.
• Perfect Egg Wash Technique: Brush pastry lightly and evenly with egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and glossy finish that looks professional.

How to Keep Christmas Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Fresh

• Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap pinwheels individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and taste.
• Warm refrigerated pinwheels at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for even heating.
• Reheat directly from refrigerator for 20-30 seconds. Note that microwaving might soften the pastry's texture slightly compared to oven reheating.

Festive Partners for Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with light acidity to complement the rich, savory ham and cheese pinwheels.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the buttery pastry and cut through the cheese's richness.
• Match with Sparkling Aperitif: Enjoy a glass of prosecco or champagne to enhance the festive appetizer and provide a bubbly, refreshing contrast to the warm pinwheels.
• Complement with Tangy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick honey mustard or cranberry relish for an extra flavor dimension that elevates the simple yet delicious pinwheels.

Flavor Styles for Christmas Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap traditional puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or use almond flour-based dough for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Spinach Pinwheels: Replace ham with sautéed spinach, ricotta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for a meat-free alternative that's packed with flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Use thin sliced zucchini or large lettuce leaves instead of pastry, rolling with deli turkey and Swiss cheese for a protein-rich snack.
• Spicy Jalapeño Pinwheels: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to the original recipe for a zesty kick that brings heat to the classic appetizer.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheese with alternatives like Swiss, provolone, or cheddar that melt well and complement ham.

• Is it possible to make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rolled log, slice it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just brush with egg wash right before placing in the oven.

• Can I freeze the pinwheels?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pinwheels. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

• What can I do if I don't have puff pastry?

If puff pastry isn’t available, you can use crescent roll dough or phyllo sheets as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.

Christmas Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Holiday gatherings shine brighter with Christmas ham and cheese pinwheels, spiraling deliciousness onto party platters. Packed with savory ham, melted cheese, and festive herbs, these easy appetizers invite guests to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Dairy:

• 6 slices deli ham
• 6 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
• 1 egg

Pastry Base:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 1/2 teaspoon (0.5 tsp) Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Dust work surface with flour and gently unfurl puff pastry sheet, creating an even rectangular base for assembly.
2. Spread a delicate layer of zesty Dijon mustard across the pastry, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
3. Meticulously arrange overlapping ham slices, creating a continuous protein layer that extends to pastry edges.
4. Strategically place cheese slices atop the ham, maintaining a consistent distribution for balanced flavor in each pinwheel.
5. Carefully roll the pastry from one long edge to another, creating a tight, compact cylindrical log with minimal air pockets.
6. Chill the rolled log for 10 minutes to firm up, which enables cleaner and more precise cutting.
7. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into uniform 1-inch thick pinwheel sections, revealing beautiful spiral patterns.
8. Position pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing slight spacing between each piece for even browning.
9. Gently brush exposed surfaces with egg wash, promoting a golden, glossy exterior during baking.
10. Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for 15-18 minutes until pastry achieves a rich, puffy golden-brown coloration.
11. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm and crisp.

Notes

• Swap out ham for turkey or vegetarian deli slices to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
• Experiment with various cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone to create unique flavor combinations.
• Enhance the mustard spread by mixing in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra aromatic touch.
• Chill the rolled log for 15 minutes before slicing to ensure cleaner, more precise pinwheel cuts.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 50mg