Go Back
To make easy baked ham and cheese pinwheels, gather these items: - 1 package of refrigerated puff pastry (contains 2 sheets) - 8 oz deli ham, thinly sliced - 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 large egg, for egg wash I love using brands like Pillsbury for puff pastry. Their dough puffs up nicely. For ham, I suggest Boar's Head or Oscar Mayer for great flavor. You can try different cheeses too. Gouda or mozzarella can add a fun twist. If you want a kick, add a spicy cheese. If you need to make changes, here are some easy swaps: - Use gluten-free puff pastry if you need it. - Swap the ham for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. - For a vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based meat substitute. - You can replace the cheddar with a vegan cheese alternative. These swaps keep the taste while meeting your needs. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps the pinwheels puff up nicely. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the pinwheels from sticking. 3. On a floured surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. A smooth surface helps with rolling. 4. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the chopped spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. 5. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the puff pastry. Cover it all the way to the edges. 6. Layer thin slices of deli ham over the cream cheese. Then, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for added flavor. 7. Starting from one edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log shape. Keep the filling inside as you roll. Repeat with the second sheet of pastry and remaining filling. 8. Use a sharp knife to cut each log into 1-inch thick rounds. Keep the cuts even for uniform baking. 9. Place the pinwheels on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. This space allows them to puff up. 10. In a small bowl, beat the egg. Brush a light layer of egg wash on top of each pinwheel for a golden crust. 11. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Watch them closely to avoid overbaking. They should be puffed and golden brown when done. - Present the warm pinwheels on a nice platter. - You can garnish with fresh parsley for color. - Serve with a small bowl of honey mustard for dipping. You can find the full recipe for Cheesy Ham & Spinach Pinwheels available for more details. To roll your pinwheels well, start with the right dough. Use puff pastry that is cold but not frozen. Roll out the pastry on a floured surface. Aim for a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread your filling evenly, reaching the edges. When rolling, keep it tight but not too tight. This helps to keep the filling intact. A golden-brown crust makes your pinwheels look amazing. To achieve this, brush the tops with an egg wash before baking. This gives them a nice shine. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Watch them closely during the last few minutes. If they look golden, they are ready. A perfect crust will be crispy and flaky. One mistake is using cold filling. Cold filling makes rolling hard and can cause the dough to crack. Make sure your cream cheese is softened. Another mistake is not spacing the pinwheels on the baking sheet. They need space to puff up. Lastly, don't skip the egg wash. It is key for that lovely crust. Following these tips will lead to tasty and beautiful snacks. For the full recipe, refer to the above section. {{image_4}} You can get creative with the filling in your pinwheels. Try using turkey instead of ham for a lighter taste. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or pepper jack cheese. You can also swap in roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. If you love a cheesy bite, mix in some mozzarella or gouda. The options are endless! Spices can change the whole taste of your pinwheels. Add dried herbs like oregano or basil to your cream cheese mix. A pinch of paprika can give a nice warmth. If you enjoy garlic, use fresh minced garlic instead of powder. Experimenting with flavors can lead to a unique twist on this classic snack. You can make these pinwheels vegetarian by using a plant-based cream cheese. Swap the ham for grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. For a vegan version, use vegan cheese and skip the egg wash. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. These adjustments keep the recipe tasty for everyone! For the full recipe, refer to the Cheesy Ham & Spinach Pinwheels. To keep your pinwheels fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool completely before storing. This step helps prevent sogginess. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat the pinwheels, use an oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore their crispiness. You can also use a microwave, but be aware that the texture may change. You can freeze the pinwheels before or after baking them. If freezing before baking, wrap each pinwheel tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag for extra protection. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to bake, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as per the Full Recipe. If you freeze them after baking, reheat them straight from the freezer as mentioned above. Yes, you can make these pinwheels ahead of time. Prepare the pinwheels and slice them. Place them on a baking sheet and cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just remove the wrap and bake as directed. This saves time when you have guests. Ham and cheese pinwheels pair well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Fresh veggie sticks like carrots and celery - Fruit slices, such as apples or grapes - A light salad with mixed greens - Dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch These sides add balance and brighten your meal. You can tell pinwheels are fully cooked by their color and texture. Look for a golden-brown crust on top. The edges should be crisp and firm. You can also check the inside with a knife. The cheese should be melted, and the ham should be hot. If unsure, bake them a bit longer. Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness! In this post, we explored all you need to know for making ham and cheese pinwheels. We covered ingredients, baking steps, and serving tips. Plus, I shared variations and storage advice for leftovers. Remember, perfecting your pinwheels takes practice. By avoiding common mistakes, you can enjoy great results. Don’t hesitate to try new flavors or ingredients. Happy cooking!

Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Delight your taste buds with these Cheesy Ham & Spinach Pinwheels, perfect for any gathering! This easy recipe combines creamy cheese, savory ham, and fresh spinach all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. With just a few simple ingredients and 35 minutes of prep time, you'll have a delicious appetizer that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests with this tasty treat!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 package of refrigerated puff pastry (contains 2 sheets)

8 oz deli ham, thinly sliced

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 large egg, for egg wash

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of the puff pastry into a rectangle approximately ¼ inch thick. The surface should be smooth and even for a proper roll.

      In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the finely chopped spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

        Evenly spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the rolled puff pastry, making sure to cover it all the way to the edges.

          Layer the deli ham slices evenly over the cream cheese mixture, followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese to create a rich flavor profile.

            Starting from one edge of the pastry, carefully roll it up tightly to form a log shape. Make sure to keep the filling contained as you roll. Repeat the same process with the second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining filling ingredients.

              Once both logs are formed, use a sharp knife to slice each log into rounds that are about 1-inch thick. Try to keep the cuts even for uniform baking.

                Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one to allow for expansion during baking.

                  In a small bowl, beat the egg and use a pastry brush to apply a light layer of egg wash on the tops of each pinwheel. This will ensure they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

                    Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they become puffed up and golden brown in color. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent overbaking.

                      Once baked, remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving warm.

                        Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12 pinwheels

                          - Presentation Tips: Present the warm pinwheels on a decorative platter. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve with a small bowl of tangy dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, to complement the savory flavors.