Buttery Easter Ham and Cheddar Pinwheels: Easy Party Appetizer
Every spring, I find myself reaching for simple, crowd-pleasing recipes that don’t keep me stuck in the kitchen—and these Easter Ham and Cheddar Pinwheels are always at the top of my list.
I love how they come together in minutes but still feel special enough for holiday gatherings. The combination of savory ham, sharp cheddar, and flaky pastry is one of those classic flavors everyone recognizes and loves.
I usually make a double batch because they disappear fast, whether I’m serving them for Easter brunch, packing them into lunchboxes, or putting them out as an appetizer. They’re warm, cheesy, and comforting, and best of all, you don’t need fancy ingredients or advanced skills to pull them off.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So easy to make: Simple ingredients and quick steps make this perfect for beginners.
- Big flavor, minimal effort: Salty ham and melty cheddar wrapped in buttery pastry never disappoint.
- Everyday ingredients: Everything comes from a regular grocery store.
- Super versatile: Great for brunch, snacks, parties, or even quick lunches.
- Perfect for holidays: Ideal for Easter spreads, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
Easter Ham and Cheddar Pinwheels
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll puff pastry into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry, if using.
- Layer ham slices across the pastry, then sprinkle cheddar evenly on top.
- Starting from the long edge, roll tightly into a log.
- Slice into 1-inch rounds and place cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- Brush tops lightly with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
- Try adding chopped chives or a thin layer of cream cheese for variation.
- These can be assembled ahead and baked fresh when needed.
Pro Tips
- Let puff pastry thaw just until pliable—too soft makes rolling harder.
- Use freshly grated cheddar for better melting and flavor.
- Pat ham dry if it’s moist to avoid soggy pinwheels.
- Roll tightly to keep the filling from slipping out while slicing.
- Chill the rolled log for 10 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss for neat pinwheels.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and slice them, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze the pinwheels?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked slices, then bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
What kind of ham works best?
Any thin-sliced deli ham or leftover baked ham works well.
Can I use another cheese?
Yes—Swiss, mozzarella, or Colby Jack are all great alternatives.
How do I keep them crispy?
Serve warm and avoid covering tightly while hot, which traps steam.
