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Ham Cheese Pinwheels

Sections: Quick 30-Minute Meals for Busy Weeknights

These golden pinwheels combine flaky puff pastry with savory ham and melted cheese, enhanced by olives and a hint of sweet chili sauce. Easily sliced and baked until puffed and golden, they make great warm or cold snacks suitable for any occasion. Versatile and quick to prepare, these bites offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures that can be tailored with your choice of cheese or olives.

Simply roll out the pastry, spread chili sauce, layer ham, cheese, and chopped olives, then roll tight, slice and bake. Enjoy the delicious contrast of crisp pastry and flavorful fillings, ideal for appetizers or light bites. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to two days and reheat or serve cold.

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Written By Clara
Last modified on Fri, 05 Sep 2025 22:05:23 GMT
A tray of ham and cheese pinwheels. Pin to Save
A tray of ham and cheese pinwheels. | cozybakinglife.com

These ham and cheese pinwheels use puff pastry for a flaky, buttery base that holds a delicious mix of ham, cheese, olives, and sweet chili sauce. They make a perfect appetizer or snack that can be enjoyed warm or cold, ideal for parties or casual gatherings. With just five simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe delivers impressive flavor without fuss.

I first made these for a family get-together, and they disappeared before I knew it. Now they are a regular crowd-pleaser whenever friends come by.

Ingredients

  • Puff pastry: choose good quality, chilled, prerolled for convenience and best texture
  • Ham: deli sliced or leftover roasted ham both work well for smoky, savory notes
  • Cheese: mozzarella melts beautifully, but cheddar or your favorite melting cheese adds great flavor
  • Thai sweet chili sauce: adds a mild heat and sweetness, but pesto or another spread can be a tasty swap
  • Olives: pitted green or black olives, chopped finely to add briny contrast and a punch of flavor, choose pitted for ease

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:
Not applicable for this recipe but prepping ingredients carefully sets you up for success. Chop olives finely and measure out spreads and fillings before beginning.
Spread the Puff Pastry:
Unroll your chilled puff pastry onto a clean work surface. Use a spoon or small spatula to evenly spread a thin layer of Thai sweet chili sauce over the entire surface. This provides both flavor and moisture to keep the spiral juicy.
Layer the Fillings:
Evenly arrange your sliced ham over the sauced puff pastry, making sure the coverage is complete but not overlapped too thick. Sprinkle the shredded or sliced cheese on top of the ham. Next, scatter the finely chopped olives evenly to distribute their taste throughout each pinwheel.
Roll and Slice:
Starting at one edge, carefully roll the puff pastry with filling tightly into a log shape. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into approximately one inch (2.5 centimeters) thick rounds. This ensures that each pinwheel holds a balanced swirl of pastry and filling.
Bake to Golden Brown:
Place the pinwheels cut side up on a parchment lined baking sheet, spacing them to allow for puffing and expansion. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (about 200 Celsius) for 15 to 20 minutes or until puffed, golden, and crisp on the edges.
Finish and Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving warm, or chill and enjoy later cold as a handy appetizer.
A tray of pastries with cheese and bacon.
A tray of pastries with cheese and bacon. | cozybakinglife.com

My favorite ingredient here has to be the Thai sweet chili sauce. It balances heat and sweetness in every bite and elevates the whole pinwheel. A special memory is making these with my kids who loved helping spread the sauce and rolling up the pastry tight.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pinwheels in a single layer inside an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in an oven or toaster oven to regain crispiness or enjoy cold within two days for best taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try swapping the ham for turkey slices or cooked bacon for variation. Use a different cheese like Gruyère or gouda to change the flavor profile. If you dislike Thai sweet chili sauce, red or green pesto, or even a flavored mustard work wonderfully as spreads.

Serving Suggestions

Serve pinwheels with a simple green salad or fresh crudités to make a light meal. Offer dips like ranch, mustard, or extra sweet chili sauce on the side for added fun. These also pair nicely with sparkling water or a chilled white wine for entertaining.

A plate of food with a variety of items on it.
A plate of food with a variety of items on it. | cozybakinglife.com

These pinwheels are endlessly customizable, so feel free to experiment with fillings. They make a great party appetizer or quick snack.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can you make these pinwheels in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook them in an air fryer. It’s best to do this in two batches due to size limitations.

→ How long do puff pastry pinwheels stay fresh?

They are best enjoyed right after baking but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

→ Is it possible to prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them in advance and serve cold or reheat before serving.

→ What type of puff pastry works best for this dish?

Pre-rolled chilled puff pastry is convenient and works well. Allow frozen pastry enough time to thaw completely before use.

→ Can different cheeses be used in the pinwheels?

Mozzarella and cheddar are popular choices, but feel free to use any cheese that melts well and suits your taste.

Ham Cheese Pinwheels

Golden puff pastry rolled with ham, cheese, olives, and chili sauce for tasty, versatile bites.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time for Cooking
15 minutes
Total Duration
25 minutes
Written By: Clara

Recipe Category: 30-Minute Meals

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Culinary Style: American

Servings: 12 Portion Count (About 12 pinwheels)

Dietary Preferences: ~

List of Ingredients

→ Pastry

01 1 sheet refrigerated puff pastry (about 9.5 x 9.5 inches)

→ Sauce

02 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce

→ Meat

03 100 grams sliced ham (approximately 3.5 ounces)

→ Cheese

04 100 grams shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (approximately 3.5 ounces)

→ Other

05 30 grams pitted olives, finely chopped (about 1 ounce)

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Unroll the refrigerated puff pastry sheet onto a clean, flat surface.

Step 02

Evenly coat the puff pastry surface with Thai sweet chili sauce using a spoon or spatula.

Step 03

Place sliced ham evenly over the sauced pastry, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheese and sprinkle with finely chopped olives.

Step 04

Carefully roll the filled puff pastry tightly from one edge to form a log, then slice into 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick pinwheels using a sharp knife.

Step 05

Arrange the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 06

Allow pinwheels to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.

Additional Suggestions

  1. For best results, use chilled puff pastry and do not overfill the pinwheels to ensure even baking.
  2. Pinwheels can be prepared ahead of time and served cold or reheated gently.
  3. Use pitted olives to avoid bitterness and to achieve an even texture.

Must-Have Supplies

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula

Allergen Details

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a professional if uncertain.
  • Contains gluten and dairy

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

This nutritional info is for general guidance and not a substitute for expert advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Fat: 11.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Protein: 9 g