Flaky Easter Ham And Cheddar Pinwheels

Our church’s Easter morning brunch always turns into something more like a full-on spring feast. While everyone else races to claim a deviled egg or mini quiche, I like bringing something warm, cheesy, and unexpected like these Easter Ham And Cheddar Pinwheels.

Last year, the folding tables were set under a blooming cherry tree, and Aunt Lila was already fussing over the coffee carafes while the kids darted around with half-filled baskets. I placed a tray of pinwheels still warm from the oven between a fruit salad and someone’s zucchini muffins.

Paige, our local florist and secret cheese addict, popped one in her mouth before even saying hi. “Who made these?” she mouthed while chewing. Two minutes later, the tray was surrounded.

These Easter Ham And Cheddar Pinwheels had a golden, crisp swirl of puff pastry, melted cheddar, a hint of tangy Dijon, and that rich layer of cream cheese underneath. Even Leo, the choir director known for rejecting “anything store-bought,” complimented the texture.

What made it work that day wasn’t just the flavors it was the ease. I prepped the logs the night before, sliced and baked them that morning, and still managed to get the kids dressed on time. No fancy garnishes or fussy doughs. Just familiar ingredients layered in a way that looked like spring and tasted like comfort.

Short Description

Easter Ham And Cheddar Pinwheels are flaky, cheesy puff pastry spirals filled with sliced ham and creamy Dijon spread perfect for Easter brunches, potlucks, or springtime appetizers.

Key Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 8 ounces cooked ham, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 large egg, beaten

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Rolling pin
• Serrated knife
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Refrigerator space for chilling

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and chopped parsley until smooth and spreadable.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and roll one puff pastry sheet into a 12×12 inch square.

Step 3: Add the Fillings
Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border. Layer half the ham and cheddar on top.

Step 4: Roll and Repeat
Tightly roll the pastry into a log. Repeat with the second sheet and remaining ingredients.

Step 5: Chill the Logs
Wrap both pastry logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes until firm. This helps with clean slicing.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Slice
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Slice each log into ½-inch rounds using a serrated knife.

Step 7: Bake the Pinwheels
Place pinwheels on the baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until puffed and golden.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Cool slightly before transferring to a platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Uses easy-to-find ingredients

Can be prepped ahead of time

Great for brunch, lunchboxes, or gatherings

Crisp, buttery pastry with a creamy, savory center

Customizable with different meats and cheeses

Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overfilling the pastry: Keep layers even to avoid messy spirals.

Skipping the chill step: Chilling firms up the log for cleaner cuts and better shape.

Using cold puff pastry straight from the fridge: Let it thaw and soften slightly for easy rolling.

Underbaking: Check for deep golden edges for full crispiness.

Slicing too thick or too thin: Aim for ½-inch for balanced texture and quick baking.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with fruit salad or fresh greens

Pair with a honey mustard dipping sauce

Add to a brunch grazing board with boiled eggs and mini quiches

Offer alongside carrot juice or sparkling lemonade

Great for family-style brunches or plated hors d’oeuvres

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes for crisp texture

Avoid microwaving for long to prevent sogginess

Freeze unbaked logs, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months

Slice and bake from frozen—add 3 to 5 extra minutes to bake time

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the logs the night before, chill overnight, and slice and bake the next day.

2. Can I use a different cheese?
Definitely. Try Swiss, gouda, or pepper jack for a flavor twist.

3. How can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the ham and use sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers instead.

4. What if my puff pastry tears?
Patch gently with trimmed scraps and press lightly to seal. The baking will help it puff evenly.

5. Can I serve them cold?
They’re best warm or at room temperature, but still tasty cold for picnics or packed lunches.

Tips & Tricks

Use parchment paper to roll and lift the pastry easily

Lightly press down after rolling to help shape the log evenly

Brush egg wash only on tops for better rise

Slice using a serrated knife to avoid squishing the layers

Sprinkle a pinch of extra cheddar on top before baking for more crisp edges

Recipe Variations

Honey Ham Twist: Swap Dijon for honey mustard and use honey-glazed ham for a sweeter version.

Spinach and Feta: Replace ham with sautéed spinach and cheddar with crumbled feta.

Pesto Turkey: Spread pesto instead of mustard and fill with sliced turkey and mozzarella.

Jalapeño Cheddar: Add chopped pickled jalapeños to the cream cheese and use extra-sharp cheddar.

Everything Bagel Pinwheels: Sprinkle everything seasoning on the egg wash before baking for a crunchy, savory finish.

Final Thoughts

These Easter Ham And Cheddar Pinwheels came together with little effort and added a golden, flaky glow to an already joyful day. No frills, just honest flavors stacked in buttery spirals that everyone wanted more of. They travel well, reheat like a dream, and look far fancier than they are.

So if your spring table needs something handheld, savory, and unexpectedly festive, tuck these into your rotation. You’ll be surprised how fast they disappear, and maybe even more surprised at how easy they are to bring back again.