When I stumbled upon this recipe during a late-night Pinterest binge, my curiosity piqued—could something so simple be truly delightful? These ham and cheese pinwheels are like the love child of a sandwich and a pastry, perfect for last-minute snack attacks or impromptu gatherings. With the flaky, buttery crust and gooey cheese, they’re a hug for your taste buds, a little chaotic yet utterly comforting.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Lightly flour a flat surface and unroll the thawed puff pastry. Roll it out to form a rectangle, then spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the surface. Arrange slices of Cheddar cheese evenly on top, leaving a 1-inch border, followed by a layer of deli ham.
- Roll the puff pastry tightly into a log, similar to a jelly roll. Slice the log into 1/4-inch-thick pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the pinwheels in the oven, positioned on the center rack, for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown.
Ingredients
- ½ (17.5 ounce) package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, adjust to taste)
- 7 slices of deli ham
- 7 slices of mild Cheddar cheese (or to preference)
Nutritional Values
Calories | 2472 | Total Fat | 168g | Saturated Fat | 72g | Cholesterol | 312mg | Sodium | 4392mg | Total Carbohydrate | 120g | Dietary Fiber | 0g | Total Sugars | 0g | Protein | 96g | Vitamin C | 0mg | Calcium | 1512mg | Iron | 0mg | Potassium | 912mg |
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Cheddar?
- Yes, you can substitute Cheddar with any cheese that melts well, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or mozzarella.
- What if I don’t have Dijon mustard on hand?
- You can use any mustard you prefer, or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor. Some people enjoy using plain yellow mustard as an alternative.
- How can I add more flavor to the pinwheels?
- Consider sprinkling fresh or dried herbs like thyme, chives, or parsley over the cheese before adding the ham for an extra burst of flavor.
- Can I prepare the pinwheels in advance?
- Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This can be a time-saver for gatherings or events.
- Is it possible to make the pinwheels bigger or smaller?
- Absolutely, you can adjust the size of the pinwheels by slicing the rolled pastry into thicker or thinner pieces according to your preference.
Tips
- Experiment with Cheese Choices: While Cheddar is the suggested cheese, feel free to try alternatives like Gruyere, Swiss, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile and texture.
- Mustard Variations: Personalize the flavor by using different types of mustard. Whole grain or plain yellow mustard can provide a unique taste compared to Dijon.
- Enhance with Herbs: Consider adding fresh or dried herbs, such as thyme, chives, or parsley, over the cheese layer to boost the flavor complexity of the pinwheels.
- Adjust Slice Thickness: To ensure the pinwheels puff up as desired, consider slicing them slightly thicker if you find they aren’t expanding to your liking during baking.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
