Easter Ham And Cheddar Pinwheels often come together in my kitchen during the quiet stretch between Easter morning and the afternoon meal, when the house feels full but unhurried.
One year, my husband was setting the table early, making room for extra plates, while I laid out sheets of puff pastry beside bowls of filling. Outside, the day had that gentle spring brightness that signals winter is finally behind us.
Easter Ham And Cheddar Pinwheels fit naturally into moments like these, especially when there is leftover ham waiting to be put to good use. My daughter stood nearby flipping through an old family album, and my grandchildren took turns sprinkling cheese while asking how the pastry would curl once baked. The process felt relaxed, almost meditative, as each layer came together on the counter.
Easter Ham And Cheddar Pinwheels have since earned their place on our holiday table, offering something warm and savory alongside sweeter dishes. They arrive from the oven crisp and golden, ready to be shared without ceremony, and they suit gatherings where conversation flows easily and food is meant to be enjoyed without fuss.
Short Description
Easter Ham And Cheddar Pinwheels are flaky puff pastry spirals filled with creamy Dijon spread, savory ham, and sharp cheddar cheese, baked until golden and ideal for Easter appetizers.
Key Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces cooked ham, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
Tools Needed
- Large cutting board
- Rolling pin
- Medium mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Sharp serrated knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Plastic wrap
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and chopped parsley until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be creamy and easy to spread. If it feels stiff, let it rest for a few more minutes at room temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour a clean work surface. Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and gently roll it out to about 12 by 12 inches, keeping it even without pressing too thin. This helps ensure consistent baking.
Step 3: Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture
Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Use the back of a spoon or spatula for a smooth, even layer.
Step 4: Add Ham and Cheddar
Layer half of the ham slices evenly over the cream cheese, followed by half of the shredded cheddar. Distribute everything evenly so each pinwheel has balanced flavor.
Step 5: Roll the Pastry
Starting from one edge, roll the puff pastry tightly into a log. A firm roll helps keep the pinwheels neat and prevents filling from slipping out during baking.
Step 6: Repeat with Remaining Ingredients
Repeat steps 2 through 5 with the second sheet of puff pastry and remaining filling ingredients.
Step 7: Chill the Logs
Wrap each pastry log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes. Chilling firms the pastry and makes slicing easier.
Step 8: Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 9: Slice the Pinwheels
Remove the chilled logs from the refrigerator and slice into ½ inch rounds using a serrated knife. Use a gentle sawing motion for clean edges.
Step 10: Arrange and Bake
Place the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Brush lightly with beaten egg. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the pastry is puffed, flaky, and golden brown.
Step 11: Cool and Serve
Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flaky and buttery texture
Savory filling with balanced flavors
Easy use of leftover ham
Simple preparation steps
Ideal for holiday gatherings
Bakes quickly and evenly
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Not chilling the pastry logs
Warm pastry can lose its shape when sliced.
Solution: Refrigerate the logs until firm before cutting.
Overfilling the pastry
Too much filling can leak during baking.
Solution: Spread fillings evenly and avoid thick layers.
Rolling the pastry loosely
Loose rolls can cause pinwheels to unravel.
Solution: Roll firmly but gently to keep the shape intact.
Overbaking
Excess baking time can dry out the pastry.
Solution: Remove once golden and puffed, checking at 18 minutes.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve as an Easter appetizer
Pair with light salads or fresh fruit
Offer alongside brunch spreads
Arrange on a platter for sharing
Serve warm or at room temperature
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat in a 325°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes
Avoid microwaving to preserve flakiness
Freeze unbaked sliced pinwheels for up to 1 month
Bake frozen pinwheels directly, adding a few extra minutes
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and slice the pinwheels, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
2. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, Swiss or Gruyère work well with ham.
3. Do these taste good at room temperature?
Yes, they remain flavorful even after cooling slightly.
4. Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, though store bought pastry works well and saves time.
5. How do I keep the pinwheels crisp?
Reheat briefly in the oven rather than the microwave.
Tips & Tricks
Use very thin ham slices for easy rolling
Keep pastry cold until ready to work
Clean knife between slices for neat edges
Brush lightly with egg wash for even browning
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving
Recipe Variations
Honey Mustard Pinwheels
Replace Dijon mustard with honey mustard and add 1 teaspoon honey to the cream cheese mixture for a slightly sweeter profile.
Ham And Swiss Pinwheels
Swap cheddar for shredded Swiss cheese and add a pinch of black pepper to the filling.
Spinach Ham Pinwheels
Add ½ cup finely chopped spinach, well drained, to the cream cheese mixture for added color and freshness.
Everything Seasoning Pinwheels
Sprinkle everything seasoning over the egg washed pinwheels before baking for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Easter Ham And Cheddar Pinwheels bring warmth and ease to holiday meals, offering something savory that balances the sweeter dishes on the table. Their flaky layers and familiar flavors make them easy to enjoy without much preparation time.
Easter Ham And Cheddar Pinwheels also leave space for conversation and connection, fitting neatly into gatherings where food supports the moment rather than taking center stage. Even after the plates are cleared, they remain part of a shared Easter memory shaped by simple food and familiar faces.
Savory Easter Ham And Cheddar Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry thawed
- 8 ounces cooked ham thinly sliced
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 large egg beaten
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and parsley until smooth and spreadable.
- Roll one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 12 by 12 inches.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border.
- Layer half of the ham and shredded cheddar evenly on top.
- Roll the pastry tightly into a log.
- Repeat with the remaining puff pastry and filling ingredients.
- Wrap logs tightly and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes until firm.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice chilled logs into ½ inch rounds using a serrated knife.
- Arrange pinwheels on the baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake 18 to 20 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly, transfer to a platter, and serve warm or at room temperature.
