Ingredients:
1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
6-8 slices of ham (thinly sliced)
1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Fresh parsley (finely chopped, for garnish, optional)
Directions:
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll Out the Pastry:
To smooth out any wrinkles, roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured board.
If using Dijon mustard, spread a thin layer over the pastry.
Assemble the Pinwheels:
Layer the Ingredients:
Over the puff pastry, evenly distribute the ham slices, leaving a thin border all the way around.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the ham.
Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper on top.
Roll the pastry.
Gently roll the pastry into a tight log, beginning at one of the long edges.
To make slicing simpler, you can chill the log for ten to fifteen minutes if the dough is too soft.
Slice and Bake:
Slice the Pinwheels:
Slice the rolled pastry into pieces about 1/2 inch thick with a sharp knife.
Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Egg Wash:
To give the pinwheels a golden, glossy sheen, brush the tops with the beaten egg.
Bake:
The pinwheels should be puffy and golden brown after 15 to 20 minutes of baking in a preheated oven.
Serve:
Cool and Serve:
Before moving the pinwheels to a serving tray, let them cool a little on the baking sheet.
Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Savor these mouthwatering Pinwheels of Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry as a party favor, appetizer, or snack!