Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**:

### **Step 1: Preheat Your Oven**
Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. This will ensure that your pinwheels cook evenly and get a perfectly golden finish.

### **Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry**
Roll out your **puff pastry sheet** onto a lightly floured surface. If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, it may already be the perfect size, but you can roll it out slightly to ensure an even layer.

If you want a bit more flavor, you can lightly brush the puff pastry with a small amount of **Dijon mustard** to give it a little tang.

### **Step 3: Layer the Ham and Cheese**
Place **4-6 slices of ham** evenly across the entire surface of the pastry, ensuring that you cover it well without overlapping too much. Then, sprinkle **1 cup of shredded cheese** (your choice) on top of the ham. Make sure to cover the ham entirely with cheese for that gooey, melty texture that everyone loves.

### **Step 4: Roll Up the Pastry**
Carefully roll the pastry sheet with the filling into a log shape, starting from one edge and rolling tightly until you have a long, cylindrical shape. The key here is to roll it snugly but not too tight, so the cheese doesn’t leak out during baking.

### **Step 5: Slice into Pinwheels**
Once your pastry is rolled up, use a sharp knife to slice it into even **1-inch thick pinwheels**. Be gentle when slicing so you don’t crush the layers of puff pastry.

### **Step 6: Egg Wash**
Whisk the **egg** in a small bowl and lightly brush it over the tops of the pinwheels. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color when they bake.

### **Step 7: Bake**
Arrange your pinwheels on a **baking sheet lined with parchment paper**. Make sure there is a bit of space between each pinwheel so they have room to puff up and cook evenly.

Bake them in the preheated oven for **12-15 minutes**, or until they are golden and puffed. The cheese should be melted inside, and the pastry should be crisp and flaky.

### **Step 8: Serve and Enjoy**
Once the pinwheels are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, ham-filled goodness!

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## **Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Pinwheels**

– **Use High-Quality Ham**: For the best flavor, use good-quality deli ham or even leftover cooked ham. You can also try different types of ham like honey ham or black forest ham for a unique taste.
– **Cheese Options**: While Swiss and cheddar are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like **Gruyère**, **provolone**, or **mozzarella** for a different flavor profile.
– **Spices and Add-ins**: Feel free to get creative! Add a pinch of **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, or **herbs** like **oregano** or **thyme** to the filling for extra flavor.
– **Make Ahead**: You can prepare these pinwheels in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake them.
– **Freezer Friendly**: These pinwheels also freeze well. Simply freeze them unbaked, then bake from frozen for about 18-20 minutes at the same temperature when you’re ready to eat them.

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## **Serving Suggestions**

These ham and cheese pinwheels make for the perfect snack, but they can also be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even part of a light lunch. Here are a few ideas to complement your pinwheels:

– **With a Salad**: Pair them with a fresh salad for a balanced meal. A simple side of mixed greens or Caesar salad is a perfect match.
– **Dipping Sauce**: Serve with a side of **mustard**, **ketchup**, or even a tangy **sriracha mayo** for dipping.
– **For Breakfast**: Serve with a side of scrambled eggs and fruit for a quick, delicious breakfast.

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## **Conclusion**

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a simple, yet impressive snack or appetizer that everyone will love. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a crispy, cheesy treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family meal, or simply craving something delicious, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the perfect balance of flaky pastry, savory ham, and melted cheese in every bite!