I love to have a slew of appetizer recipes that I can depend on. The ones that people hover around and can’t stop enjoying while engaging in great conversation. That’s the party appetizer everyone wants! These Ham & Cheese Pinwheels are made with puff pastry and they’re one of my favorites. Serve them hot or room temperature – you can’t go wrong.

If you’re unfamiliar, pinwheels refer to anything sweet or savory rolled and baked. They can be hot or cold. I love these savory Ham & Cheese Pinwheels because they’re hot, but I also make a cold ham pinwheel version too. The layers of savory goodness can’t be beat – everyone loves this appetizer. The melty cheese, savory ham and texture of the puff pastry makes them irresistible.

You can serve these Ham & Cheese Pinwheels for a cocktail party, during the holiday season or as a game day appetizer. I think they’re so versatile because you can make them ahead of time. They can be served warm or at room temperature. Either way, it’s a delicious puff pastry appetizer recipe.

Looking for more great appetizer ideas? I’ve got some easy appetizers that my readers love:

• Make-Ahead Bacon Crostini Recipe
• Oven-Baked Stuffed Mushrooms
• Mushroom Palmiers (another great puff pastry appetizer recipe)

How To Make These Ham & Cheese Pinwheels For An Appetizer

This recipe calls for the use of frozen puff pastry. You can find it in the dessert section of local grocer’s frozen section. I prefer to use the Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets and they’re fairly easy to work with. It’s just a matter of learning how to fold your puff pastry so it has that nice pinwheel shape to it!

You’ll also need a baking sheet for this recipe and you can grease it with non-stick cooking spray, or use a silicone baking mat. That will prevent the puff pastry from sticking to the baking sheet. All of my readers know how much I love silicone baking mats, so that’s what I use. It keeps the baking sheet less greasy. When you’re making finger foods, for a party, you don’t want a greasy appetizer to eat.

How To Make Ham & Cheese Pinwheels Ahead of Time

You can serve this appetizer fresh out of the oven, and hot, or you can serve it room temperature. So you can make it the night before your event, let them cool, and store them in an airtight food storage container. Do not microwave them to reheat because that can cause them to be soggy. If you want to serve them warm, place them in a low heat oven for 15 minutes.

How To Keep Your Leftover Pinwheels Fresh

Puff pastry has a buttery texture, like a croissant. When exposed to air over long period of time, it can dry out the pastry. You want your pastry to keep the buttery moist texture. To do this, place your pinwheels in an air-tight food storage container. You can stack the puff pastry by placing a sheet of wax paper between the layers. You don’t want the shape to be compromised.

Recipe Substitutions

There are a few easy recipe substitutions you can make for this recipe. Playing with the type of meat you use or the cheese are the best recipe swaps!

• The egg wash and everything bagel seasoning are optional
• Turkey can be used instead of ham.
• Dijon or honey mustard can be brushed over the pastry before adding the ham and cheese if desired.
• The pinwheels are best served warm but can be eaten chilled as well.
• Shredded mozzarella can be used in place of the slices of provolone.
• Swiss cheese is a great substitute for the provolone.

What You Need From The Grocery Store:

• Frozen Puff Pastry (1 Package)
• Thin Sliced Deli Ham
• Provolone Cheese
• Egg
• Water
• Everything Bagel Seasoning

Directions To Make Ham & Cheese Pinwheels

Preheat oven to 375F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or very lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.

Lay the two pieces of thawed puff pastry out flat on a clean work surface. Arrange 8 slices of ham on each piece of pastry so that it is mostly covered with the ham. Next, place 8 slices of cheese on each pastry over top of the ham.

Start at one end of the pastry and roll tightly into a log; repeat with the second pastry.

Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry logs into ¾-inch thick slices. Place each slice on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 1-inch between each.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Lightly brush the egg wash over top of each pinwheel (discard the leftover egg wash). Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning onto the top of each pinwheel, if desired.

Bake the ham and cheese pinwheels at 375F for 18-22 minutes, until the pastry if puffy and turning golden brown around the edges. Cool slightly before serving.