Easter Ham Cheddar Pinwheels (Printable)

Golden puff pastry spirals filled with ham, cheddar, and herbs—ideal for festive spring occasions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pastry Base

01 - 1 sheet puff pastry (approximately 9 ounces), thawed if frozen

→ Filling Components

02 - 4 ounces thinly sliced cooked ham
03 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives or parsley
05 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

→ Egg Wash

06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 tablespoon milk or water

→ Seasoning

08 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
02 - On a lightly floured surface, roll or unfold the puff pastry into a rectangle measuring approximately 10 x 12 inches.
03 - Spread Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry surface, leaving a ½-inch border along one long edge for sealing.
04 - Arrange ham slices over the mustard-coated area. Distribute shredded cheddar cheese evenly, followed by fresh herbs and a pinch of black pepper.
05 - Beginning from the long edge opposite the border, roll the pastry tightly into a cylinder. Moisten the exposed border with water and press firmly to seal.
06 - Wrap the pastry log in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 10 minutes. This step firms the dough for cleaner slicing.
07 - Whisk together the egg and milk or water until fully combined.
08 - Cut the chilled log into ½-inch thick rounds, 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 generously with the prepared egg wash for golden browning.
10 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden brown.
11 - Transfer pinwheels to a wire rack and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The combination of smoky ham and sharp cheddar creates that perfect savory bite everyone reaches for first
  • These come together in under 30 minutes but look like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen
  • You can prep the log ahead, slice, and bake whenever guests arrive
02 -
  • Keep the pastry cold while working, otherwise it becomes sticky and the butter layers start melting before baking
  • The 10 minute freezer chill makes all the difference between neat slices and smushed spirals
  • Space the pinwheels about 2 cm apart on the baking sheet so they have room to puff
03 -
  • Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices for the prettiest spirals
  • If your kitchen is warm, work on a chilled baking sheet or marble surface

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