Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but cold)
  • 6-8 slices of ham (thinly sliced)
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini (squeeze excess water out)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for the best melt)
  • 1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Make sure it’s thawed but still cold for easier handling.
  2. Layer with Ham: Arrange slices of ham evenly across the entire surface of the puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges.
  3. Add the Zucchini: Spread the shredded zucchini evenly over the ham. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini using a paper towel, as too much water can make the pastry soggy.
  4. Sprinkle with Cheese: Top the zucchini with shredded cheese. You can use mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination of both for a rich, cheesy flavor.
  5. Season: Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper over the entire surface to season the filling.
  6. Roll the Pastry: Starting from one side, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log, similar to rolling a Swiss roll. Use gentle but firm pressure to keep the filling in place while rolling.
  7. Slice into Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry into 1-inch thick rounds. You should end up with 8-10 pinwheels, depending on the size of your pastry sheet.
  8. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 3-5 minutes.
  9. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the pinwheels in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  10. Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each pinwheel with a little beaten egg. This will help the pastry turn a beautiful golden color as it cooks.
  11. Cook: Air fry the pinwheels at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes. Check halfway through and rotate them for even browning. Cook until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  12. Cool and Serve: Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy while still warm!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 1 Pinwheel):

  • Calories: 190
  • Total Fat: 12g
    • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
    • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Sodium: 300mg

Tips for Perfect Pinwheels:

  1. Squeeze Out Moisture: Removing excess water from the zucchini is crucial for keeping the pastry crispy. After shredding the zucchini, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
  2. Cold Pastry Works Best: Puff pastry is much easier to work with when it’s cold. If it becomes too warm while you’re assembling the pinwheels, place the rolled log in the fridge for 10 minutes before slicing.
  3. Even Slices: Use a sharp knife for slicing the pinwheels, and apply gentle pressure to avoid squishing the roll. If the roll is too soft, chill it for 5-10 minutes before cutting.
  4. Customize the Filling: You can substitute ham with turkey, or even pepperoni for a pizza-style pinwheel. For a vegetarian option, try sautéed spinach and mushrooms as filling.
  5. Bake Instead of Air Frying: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these pinwheels in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.

Storage and Reheating:

  • Storage: Keep any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness. If using a microwave, they may become soft, so air frying or oven reheating is preferable.

These crispy, cheesy, and savory puff pastry pinwheels are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re planning for a family get-together, game night, or even a festive occasion, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The air fryer makes them an easy and fuss-free option, and their delightful appearance and taste will make them a highlight of any meal!