Easter Ham Cheddar Pinwheels (Printable)

Flaky pastry rolls with ham, cheddar, and herbs for festive gatherings.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pastry Base

01 - 1 sheet puff pastry (approximately 8.8 ounces), thawed if frozen

→ Filling Components

02 - 4 ounces thinly sliced cooked ham
03 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (approximately 3.5 ounces)
04 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives or parsley
05 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
06 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Egg Wash

07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 tablespoon milk or water

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle approximately 10 x 12 inches.
03 - Spread the Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry surface, leaving a ½-inch border on one long edge.
04 - Arrange ham slices over the mustard. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped herbs. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
05 - Starting from the long edge opposite the border, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Seal the edge with a small amount of water.
06 - Wrap the pastry log in plastic wrap and freeze for 10 minutes to firm up for easier slicing.
07 - Whisk together the egg and milk or water until fully combined.
08 - Cut the chilled log into ½-inch thick slices, yielding approximately 24 pinwheels. Arrange cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet with slight spacing between pieces.
09 - Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the prepared egg wash.
10 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
11 - Transfer pinwheels to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of smoky ham and sharp cheddar creates that perfect flavor balance everyone reaches for first
  • They come together in under 20 minutes of active time but taste like you fussed over them
02 -
  • That quick freezer chill makes the difference between neat pinwheels and a squished mess so do not skip it
  • Letting the pastry thaw completely but stay cold prevents those annoying cracked edges when rolling
03 -
  • Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for the prettiest pinwheels that hold their shape perfectly
  • Space them slightly apart on the baking sheet so the pastry can puff without merging together

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