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To make easy baked ham and cheese pinwheels, gather these items: - 1 package of refrigerated puff pastry (2 sheets) - 8 oz deli ham, sliced - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 egg, for egg wash These ingredients blend well to create a tasty snack or meal. The puff pastry gives a light and flaky texture. The ham and cheese provide a savory flavor that makes these pinwheels irresistible. You can add more taste to your pinwheels with these extras: - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for a tangy kick - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness - Chopped herbs like parsley or chives for freshness These optional ingredients can elevate your dish. They add depth and personality that can impress your guests. I recommend using these brands for the best results: - Puff Pastry: Pepperidge Farm is a reliable choice. - Deli Ham: Boar's Head offers high-quality, flavorful ham. - Cream Cheese: Philadelphia cream cheese has a rich and creamy texture. - Cheddar Cheese: Cabot or Tillamook provide great shredded cheese options. Using these brands enhances the quality of your pinwheels. They help create a dish that shines in taste and presentation. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe link. First, you need puff pastry. Take one package with two sheets. Lay one sheet on a clean, floured surface. Roll it out gently into a rectangle. Aim for about ¼ inch thick. This helps the pastry rise well when baked. Next, grab a medium bowl. Add the softened cream cheese and mix in the chopped spinach. Then, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir this mixture until it is smooth. This creamy filling will make each bite delicious. Now, take your rolled-out pastry. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over it. Layer the deli ham slices on top, then sprinkle on some shredded cheddar cheese. Starting from one edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Do this for the second sheet too. Once you have two logs, slice them into 1-inch rounds with a sharp knife. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the pinwheels on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Beat an egg in a small bowl and brush it on top of each pinwheel. This gives them a nice golden color when baked. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they puff up and turn golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make the best ham and cheese pinwheels, use cold puff pastry. Cold dough rolls better and puffs more. Always roll it to about ¼ inch thick. A thicker layer makes it hard to slice. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. This keeps the filling inside. Space them out on the baking sheet. This helps them bake evenly. One common mistake is overfilling the pinwheels. Too much filling makes them hard to roll. Another mistake is not sealing the edges well. If they are not sealed, the filling may leak out. Also, don’t skip the egg wash. This gives a nice golden color. Lastly, avoid opening the oven too soon. This can cause them to sink. To get that perfect golden brown finish, brush each pinwheel with an egg wash. Mix one egg with a splash of water for best results. Apply it generously on top before baking. Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes. They should puff up and turn golden. For a crispier finish, bake them a bit longer if needed. {{image_2}} You can mix up the fillings in your pinwheels to keep things fresh. Try adding cooked chicken or turkey instead of ham. You can also use roasted vegetables for a tasty twist. Spicy ingredients, like jalapeños or pepperoni, can add a kick. For a sweet touch, consider adding a layer of fig jam or apple slices. While cheddar is great, many other cheeses work well too. Try Swiss cheese or gouda for a smooth flavor. Cream cheese adds richness, while mozzarella gives a stretchy texture. Feta can bring a tangy touch, and pepper jack adds some heat. Mixing different cheeses will create unique flavors. You can easily make these pinwheels vegetarian or vegan. Replace the ham with mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Use a plant-based cream cheese for the filling. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. Always check the puff pastry for vegan options, as some may contain butter. For the full recipe, please check the section above. To keep your leftover pinwheels fresh, place them in an airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice any moisture, add a paper towel inside to absorb it. This method keeps the pinwheels tasty and ready for your next snack! When you're ready to enjoy your pinwheels again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This will help them regain their crispiness. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, but they may not be as crispy. I recommend using the oven for the best result. Freezing pinwheels is a great way to save them for later. After baking, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each pinwheel in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pinwheels in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to two months. When you're ready, just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your delicious pinwheels anytime! Pinwheels can last about 3 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing them. Yes, you can make pinwheels ahead of time! Prepare them a day before and store them in the fridge. You can bake them just before serving. This way, they stay warm and flaky. Many dips pair well with ham and cheese pinwheels. Honey mustard is a popular choice. You can also try ranch dressing or a creamy garlic dip. These add extra flavor and fun. Absolutely! You can use crescent roll dough or even tortillas. Puff pastry gives a nice crunch, but other options work well too. Just adjust the baking time as needed. Yes, these pinwheels are perfect for a party platter! They are fun to eat and easy to share. Serve them warm, and they will impress your guests. For more details, check the Full Recipe. You've seen how to make tasty pinwheels step by step. We covered the ingredients, preparation, baking, and even tips to avoid mistakes. Remember to try different fillings for fun flavors. Store any leftovers properly, so they stay fresh. Pinwheels are easy, delicious, and perfect for any event. Enjoy your cooking and impress your friends!

Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Discover the irresistible delight of Cheesy Ham & Spinach Pinwheels! These easy-to-make snacks combine creamy cheese, savory ham, and healthy spinach wrapped in flaky puff pastry, perfect for any occasion. In just 35 minutes, you can enjoy golden-brown pinwheels that are sure to impress your family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your snack game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 package of refrigerated puff pastry (2 sheets)

8 oz deli ham, sliced

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 egg, for egg wash

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Roll out one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, ensuring it's about ¼ inch thick.

      In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

        Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry rectangle.

          Layer the slices of ham evenly over the cream cheese mixture, followed by a sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese.

            Starting from one edge, roll the pastry tightly to form a log. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry and remaining ingredients.

              Once you have two logs, slice each log into 1-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.

                Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

                  Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of each pinwheel with the egg wash to give them a golden-brown finish.

                    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.

                      Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

                        Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12 pinwheels

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve the pinwheels warm on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a small bowl of dipping sauce like honey mustard.