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Easy Easter Party Food Ham and Cheddar Pinwheels Appetizer Thumbnail

Ham and Cheddar Pinwheel Treats

Flaky, cheesy, and irresistibly savory, these Easter Ham and Cheddar Pinwheels are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Made with buttery puff pastry, creamy Dijon-infused filling, tender ham, and sharp cheddar, each bite delivers big flavor with minimal effort. They’re easy to prep ahead, quick to bake, and perfect for busy holiday gatherings. Serve them warm or at room temperature for Easter brunch, dinner, or casual parties. Whether you’re hosting family, bringing a dish to share, or planning stress-free entertaining, these pinwheels fit right in—and they disappear fast, so making a double batch is highly recommended.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, European

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • Frozen Puff Pastry 2 sheets, thawed
  • The flaky foundation of these pinwheels. Using ready-made puff pastry saves time while still delivering bakery-style layers and buttery crunch.
  • Thinly Sliced Cooked Ham 8 oz
  • Salty savory, and perfect for rolling. This is a great way to use leftover holiday ham or deli-style slices.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese Shredded (8 oz)
  • Bold and tangy cheddar balances the richness of the pastry and ham. Swap in mild or medium cheddar if you prefer a softer bite.
  • Cream Cheese Softened (4 oz)
  • Acts as the glue that holds everything together while adding smooth creamy richness.
  • Dijon Mustard 2 tbsp
  • A small amount adds big flavor—slightly tangy with just enough zip to cut through the cheese.
  • Fresh Parsley Finely Chopped (2 tbsp)
  • Brings freshness color, and a light herbal note that brightens every bite.
  • Egg 1 large, beaten
  • Brushed on top for that golden glossy finish that makes these pinwheels look bakery-perfect.

Method
 

1. Mix the Base

In a bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and chopped parsley until smooth and well blended. Set aside.

    2. Prep the Pastry

    Lightly dust your counter with flour. Place one puff pastry sheet on the surface and gently roll it into an even square, just enough to smooth out the seams.

      3. Spread the Filling

      Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over the pastry, spreading it evenly from edge to edge while leaving a small border.

        4. Add the Layers

        Cover the surface with half of the ham slices, then sprinkle evenly with half of the shredded cheddar.

          5. Roll It Up

          Starting at one side, roll the pastry tightly into a log. A snug roll helps keep the pinwheels neat while baking

            6. Repeat

            Assemble the second pastry sheet using the remaining filling, ham, and cheese.

              7. Chill for Clean Slices

              Wrap both logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step makes slicing much easier.

                8. Heat the Oven

                Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

                  9. Slice

                  Using a sharp serrated knife, cut each log into ½-inch rounds.

                    10. Bake

                    Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on the baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and bake for 18–20 minutes, until puffed and golden.

                      11. Cool Slightly & Serve

                      Let rest for a few minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

                        Notes

                        How to Serve

                        • Holiday Appetizer
                          Ideal for Easter brunch or dinner—easy to grab, easy to love.
                        • Party Finger Food
                          Perfect for birthdays, Bunco nights, showers, or casual gatherings.
                        • Lunchbox Upgrade
                          Once cooled, they’re sturdy enough to pack and way more exciting than a sandwich.
                        • Potlucks & Picnics
                          Serve warm or at room temperature—they travel beautifully.

                        Optional Dips

                        • Honey mustard for sweet tang
                        • Ranch for creamy comfort
                        • Spicy mayo for heat lovers
                        • Warm cheese sauce for extra indulgence

                        Tips for Best Results

                        • Handle puff pastry gently to keep it flaky
                        • Always soften cream cheese fully before mixing
                        • Chill the logs—don’t rush this step
                        • Use a serrated knife and a light sawing motion
                        • Experiment with cheeses, herbs, or spices to customize

                        Final Thoughts

                        These ham and cheddar pinwheels prove that impressive appetizers don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients. They’re flaky, cheesy, savory, and endlessly versatile—equally at home on a holiday table or a casual snack board. Make them once, and they’ll quietly become your go-to recipe for every gathering that calls for something easy, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear fast.