2 Easy Puff Pastry Pinwheel Appetizers | Fast Party Snack!
When I was planning appetizers for our New Year’s Eve party this year, I needed something that looked impressive but didn’t keep me stuck in the kitchen. These flaky, golden puff pastry pinwheels were the answer — simple ingredients, quick prep, and two delicious flavor options that feel special without any extra work. They’re the kind of appetizer you can pull together in minutes and set out for guests while you actually enjoy the party.
Stephanie’s Recipe Rundown
Why You’ll Love It: 5-ingredient puff pastry appetizer that looks fancy but takes minutes. Perfect for parties, holidays, and New Year’s Eve. Time Needed: 10 minutes prep + 15 minutes bake Skill Level: Beginner-friendly — just roll, slice, and bake Flavor & Texture: Flaky golden pastry, melty cheese, savory ham — soft center with crisp edges Would I Make This Again? 100% — crowd-pleaser and freezer-friendly for make-ahead hostingxoxo Stephanie
Ingredients
Ham & Swiss Puff Pastry Pinwheel Ingredients
Goat Cheese & Kalamata Olive Puff Pastry Pinwheel Ingredients
Step-By-Step Instructions
You’ll make both flavor variations using this exact same method — just swap the fillings. These directions are for the ham and cheese puff pastry.
- Prep the puff pastry
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll them out with a rolling pin to smooth the seams and even out the thickness. (Collage 1, top left)
2. Brush with mustard
Using a pastry brush, spread a thin, even layer of Dijon mustard over the surface of one puff pastry sheet, leaving about ½ inch bare around the edges. (Collage 1, top right)
3. Layer on the ham
Arrange the sliced ham over the mustard so it covers the pastry in a single layer, slightly overlapping the slices as needed. (Collage 1, bottom left)
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
4. Add the Swiss cheese
Place the sliced Swiss cheese over the ham, covering as much of the surface as you can. It’s fine if there are a few gaps. (Collage 1, bottom right)
5. Roll into a tight log
Starting with one long edge, carefully roll the puff pastry up into a tight log, tucking as you go so the filling stays inside. Finish with the seam side down on the counter. (Collage 2, top left)
6. Slice the pinwheels
Using a sharp knife, slice the log into ½–¾-inch thick rounds. Try to keep the slices even so they bake at the same rate. (Collage 2, top right)
7. Arrange on the baking sheet
Lay each pinwheel cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them so they can puff up. (Collage 2, bottom left – before brushing)
8. Brush with egg wash
Lightly brush the tops and edges of each pinwheel with egg wash to help them turn golden and flaky in the oven. (Collage 2, bottom left – brushing step)
9. Bake until golden
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and deep golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. (Collage 2, bottom right)
10. Cool slightly & serve
Let the pinwheels cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a serving platter and enjoy warm.
If you love quick appetizers like these puff pastry pinwheels, you’ll also love my spinach artichoke phyllo cups and Midwest cold veggie pizza — both are fast, crowd-pleasing party snacks.
Tips to Make Them Foolproof
How to Keep Puff Pastry Pinwheels From Falling Apart
- Roll tightly
- Chill 10 minutes before slicing – especially if the puff pastry has started to warm up too much
- Use egg wash as a “glue” on seam
- Bake on parchment paper
How Thick to Cut Puff Pastry Pinwheels
- Best thickness = 3/4 inch slices
- Thicker = doughy centers
- Thinner = spread too flat
Do I Need Egg Wash?
Yes! I would not skip this step! To make an egg wash, simply whisk a whole egg with a tablespoon of water in a small container. Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash.
- Egg wash gives color + seals edges
- Optional swap: melted butter
Can I Make Puff Pastry Pinwheels Ahead?
Yes! You can prepare them in advance two ways:
- Freeze unbaked: Roll and slice the pinwheels, then freeze (freeze on a tray first and then wrap frozen pinwheels in plastic wrap and put in an airtight container and store in the freezer). Bake straight from frozen — just add 1–3 extra minutes to the bake time.
- Reheat already-baked pinwheels: Bake them fully, cool, then store in the fridge or freezer. Reheat at 350°F for 6–8 minutes before serving.
We took these to a New Year’s Eve party we were invited to and they were a big hit! They look fancy and hard to make…but really, they are so simple and easy!
Printable Recipe Card
Puff Pastry Pinwheel Appetizers (Ham & Swiss + Goat Cheese & Kalamata)
Ingredients
Ham & Swiss Puff Pastry Pinwheel Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 6-8 slices Black Forest deli ham thinly sliced
- 6-8 slices Swiss cheese
- 2-3 tbs Dijon mustard
- 1 Egg for egg wash
Goat Cheese & Kalamata Puff Pastry Pinwheel Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 2 ounces Goat cheese soft-spreadable log
- 2 tbs Kalamata olives drained and chopped
- 1 tbs Fresh basil chopped
- 1/2 tsp Fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 Egg for egg wash
Instructions
- Prep the pastry — Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Unfold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll to smooth seams.
- Add the filling — Spread a thin layer of mustard (Ham & Swiss) or softened goat cheese (Goat Cheese & Kalamata) over the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Layer toppings — Add ham + Swiss slices OR sprinkle chopped olives, basil, and rosemary over the goat cheese.
- Roll it up — Starting from the long side, brush a little egg wash along the edge to help seal, then roll the pastry tightly into a log, seam side down.
- Slice — Use a sharp serrated knife to cut into ¾ inch pinwheels. Place each slice cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- Brush with egg wash — Lightly brush tops and edges with whisked egg + 1 tablespoon water.
- Bake — Bake 17 minutes for ham & Swiss and 15 minutes for Kalamata olive pinwheels, or until puffed, golden, and the cheese is melted.
Nutrition
![](https://gatheredinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/xo-Stephanie-Signature.jpg")
Stephanie—home cook, DIY addict, seasonal decor fanatic, and proud chicken wrangler living in a Victorian house that’s always a project. Whether I’m cooking with garden-fresh ingredients, herding mischievous chickens, or tackling another DIY, I’m here to share the fun (and chaos).
