Description
These Monte Cristo Pinwheels are a sweet and savory party appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry, ham, Swiss cheese, and raspberry jam, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for entertaining, brunch, or a cozy snack, they’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 8–10 slices deli ham (about 8 oz), thinly sliced
- 8–10 slices Swiss cheese (about 6 oz), or Gruyère
- 6 tablespoons raspberry jam or preserves (seedless preferred)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons raspberry jam and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (if using).
- Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. If stiff, let sit for 5 minutes. Gently roll out to a 10×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread half the jam mixture in a thin, even layer over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge.
- Layer 4–5 slices ham evenly over the jam, then top with 4–5 slices Swiss cheese.
- Starting from the long edge opposite the clean border, tightly roll the pastry into a log, jelly-roll style.
- Pinch the seam to seal. Place the log seam-side down on a plate and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes.
- Repeat steps 3–7 with the second sheet of puff pastry and remaining fillings.
- Using a sharp, serrated knife, slice each log into 3/4-inch thick rounds (about 12 pinwheels per log).
- Arrange pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush lightly over the tops of the pinwheels.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and deeply golden brown. If bottoms brown too quickly, move tray up a rack halfway through.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Notes
Keep puff pastry cold for best results. Chill the rolled log before slicing to prevent unraveling. Use a serrated knife for clean cuts. Don’t overload the filling for easier rolling and even baking. Pinwheels can be assembled ahead and baked fresh. Try different jams or cheeses for variations. For gluten-free, use GF puff pastry; for vegetarian, substitute roasted mushrooms or spinach for ham.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 260
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 9
- Protein: 5
Keywords: monte cristo, pinwheels, party appetizer, sweet and savory, puff pastry, ham, swiss cheese, raspberry jam, brunch, easy appetizer