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Easy 5-Minute Ham and Cheese Pinwheels for Lunch Boxes

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These quick and easy ham and cheese pinwheels use store-bought puff pastry for a flaky, golden treat that’s perfect for lunch boxes, parties, or snacks. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 6 slices deli ham
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or honey mustard
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. Lightly flour a clean counter or cutting board. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and gently roll it out just slightly to smooth the seams, forming a uniform rectangle about 10×12 inches.
  3. Using a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the entire surface of the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border on one long edge. If using mustard, spread a thin layer over the cream cheese now.
  4. Place the ham slices evenly over the cream cheese, overlapping them slightly to cover the entire surface.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the ham and press down gently with your hands.
  6. Starting from the long edge closest to you, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. Press the bare border into the log to seal it, and pinch the ends closed.
  7. Optional: Chill the rolled log in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up for easier slicing.
  8. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the log into ½-inch thick rounds. You should get about 12-14 pinwheels. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up, leaving about an inch of space between each one.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the egg wash.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed up and deep golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

For best results, use cold puff pastry and softened cream cheese. Chilling the rolled log before slicing helps maintain shape. Egg wash gives a golden finish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and cheese pinwheels, puff pastry pinwheels, lunch box recipes, easy appetizers, quick snacks

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/easy-5-minute-ham-and-cheese-pinwheels-for-lunch-boxes/