Buttery puff pastry with savoury ham and creamy Stracchino makes these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels a simple appetiser you’ll happily serve at any gathering.
I love anything made with puff pastry, but the Stracchino makes these pinwheels especially good. They’re made with a simple combination of puff pastry, ham, and creamy Stracchino cheese, rolled and sliced before baking.
They’re quick to prepare and don’t need many ingredients. These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are perfect as a savoury appetiser or served as part of a buffet.
Reasons to Love These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
- These delicious pinwheels are ready in about 25 minutes, making them useful when you need something quickly.
- Good for make-ahead planning because you can assemble the roll before you’re ready to bake.
- Individual portions make them easy to serve for game day, parties, or casual gatherings.
Key Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Puff Pastry
Puff pastry gives the pinwheels their crisp, flaky texture and light layers. Choose a good quality all-butter puff pastry if available for a richer flavour and crisp finish.
Stracchino Cheese
Stracchino is a soft Italian cheese with a mild, creamy flavour. Look for fresh Stracchino with a smooth, soft texture, as this works especially well with the salty ham.
Ham
Adds a savoury, slightly salty flavour and pairs naturally with creamy Stracchino. Thinly sliced cooked ham works best, but sliced turkey or roast beef can also be used.
Egg Wash
Egg wash is optional, but it gives the puff pastry a more golden finish. It doesn’t add much flavour, so you can leave it out if preferred.
Find the complete list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Step 1: Arrange the ham slices and chopped Stracchino cheese evenly over the puff pastry sheet.
Step 2: Roll the puff pastry as tightly as possible, like a Swiss roll.
Step 3: Cut the roll into 2.5 cm – 1 inch slices and place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
Step 4: Brush the pinwheels with egg wash, if desired. You can skip this step if you prefer.
Step 5: Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C – 340°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve warm or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let them cool uncovered after baking to allow steam to escape. When reheating leftovers, use the oven rather than the microwave to help restore the crisp texture.
Serve them alongside other savoury appetisers, salads or simple vegetable dishes. They also work well as part of a buffet with a selection of finger foods.
Absolutely! Mozzarella, Gouda, or another mild cheese suitable for baking can work if Stracchino isn’t available. Choose a cheese with a creamy texture and good melting qualities to pair well with the ham.
Thinly sliced ham and a soft cheese such as Stracchino work especially well because they’re easy to distribute across the pastry. Avoid using too much filling, as this can make the pastry harder to roll and slice.
Expert Tips
Chill Before Cutting – Refrigerate the rolled pastry for 10 to 15 minutes if it feels too soft. A firmer roll is easier to slice cleanly without flattening the pinwheels.
Use a Sharp Knife – Cut the pastry roll with a sharp knife using gentle strokes. A dull knife can press down on the pastry and distort the spiral shape.
Drain Very Moist Stracchino – Remove any excess liquid from the Stracchino before using it. Too much moisture can soak into the pastry and affect its crisp texture.
Keep the Pastry Cold – Return the puff pastry to the fridge if it becomes warm or sticky while you’re working with it. Cold pastry holds its shape better and develops more defined layers in the oven.
Rotate the Tray – Turn the baking tray halfway through cooking if your oven tends to brown unevenly. This helps the pinwheels bake and colour more consistently across the tray.
Variations and Twists
Switch Up the Cheese – Replace the Stracchino with Pepper Jack, Swiss or cheddar. Pepper Jack brings some heat, Swiss is milder, while cheddar gives a sharper flavour.
Make It Creamy with Cream Cheese – Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese over the puff pastry before adding the ham for a richer, creamier filling.
Season with Garlic and Herbs – Brush the pastry lightly with the garlic, herb, and olive oil mixture before arranging the ham and Stracchino over the top.
Try Turkey and Gouda – Combine thinly sliced turkey with Gouda for a different savoury filling while keeping the same puff pastry method.
Use Smoked Ham – Choose thinly sliced smoked ham instead of regular cooked ham for a deeper savoury flavour that pairs well with the creamy Stracchino.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store Ham and Cheese Pinwheels leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours and eat within 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 to 3 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the fridge. For reheating, place them in a 180°C – 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until hot and crisp.
More Savoury Recipes to Try
- Pesto Pinwheels
- Mushroom Vol au Vents
- Zucchini and Blue Cheese Savoury Pastries
- Pizza Flavoured Savoury Pastries
- Homemade Piadina with Prosciutto
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry – thawed
- 50 g – 2 oz Stracchino cheese – chopped
- ham slices
- egg wash – optional
Instructions
- Arrange the ham slices and chopped Stracchino cheese evenly over the puff pastry sheet.
- Roll the puff pastry as tightly as possible, like a Swiss roll.
- Cut the roll into 2.5 cm – 1 inch slices and place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
- Brush the pinwheels with egg wash, if desired. You can skip this step if you prefer.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C – 340°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
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