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This recipe for ham and cheese pinwheels with puff pastry is a fantastic choice for quick appetizers or snacks. It combines the crisp, golden layers of puff pastry with savory ham, melty cheese, and a touch of sweet chili sauce for a delightful burst of flavor. Perfect for gatherings or a simple treat, these pinwheels bring satisfying taste with minimal fuss.
I first prepared these during a casual family dinner, and now they are a go-to snack that everyone enjoys. The blend of sweet chili sauce with the classic ham and cheese never fails to please.
Ingredients
- Pâte feuilletée: choose quality, chilled and pre-rolled for convenience and even baking
- Jambon de Paris: mild, tender ham enhances the savory profile without overpowering
- Fromage mozzarella: melts beautifully, providing stretch and creaminess you can substitute with emmental or comté for a more pronounced French flavor
- Sauce chili douce thaïlandaise: adds subtle sweetness and gentle heat, balancing the savory elements
- Olives dénoyautées: black or green depending on your taste, opting for pitted varieties to ease preparation and add a briny contrast
Instructions
- S’étaler la pâte feuilletée:
- Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a clean surface. Make sure the dough is cold but pliable to prevent tearing during rolling.
- Étaler la sauce chili douce:
- Spread the sweet chili sauce evenly over the entire surface of the pastry. This adds moisture and a gentle spicy sweetness that complements the ham and cheese.
- Disposer le jambon et les olives:
- Arrange thin slices of ham evenly across the pastry, then sprinkle finely chopped olives on top. These ingredients create the signature savory filling.
- Ajouter le fromage:
- Distribute shredded mozzarella or your chosen cheese evenly over the ham and olives. The cheese will melt and bind the pinwheels beautifully once baked.
- Rouler et trancher:
- Carefully roll the pastry lengthwise into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to slice into rounds about 2.5 centimeters thick. This ensures even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Cuire au four:
- Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 15 to 20 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Mozzarella is my favorite cheese choice as it melts perfectly and doesn’t overpower the other flavors. One Christmas, these pinwheels were the highlight of our aperitif, enjoyed by young and old alike, making them a memorable family treat.
Storage Tips
To keep leftovers at their best, store pinwheels in a sealed container in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven rather than the microwave to preserve their crispness. Avoid freezing as puff pastry can lose texture after thawing.
Ingredient Substitutions
Jambon blanc or smoked ham offer different flavor profiles if you want to vary your pinwheels. Gruyère or goat cheese creates a richer taste but remember melting times differ. For the sauce, a pesto or mustard spread can replace chili sauce for diverse tastes.
Serving Suggestions
These pinwheels pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or a light vinaigrette to balance richness. Serve as finger food at cocktail parties or alongside soup for a simple lunch. They also work well with a glass of rosé or light white wine for a French-inspired snack.
These ham and cheese pinwheels are quick to make and perfect for sharing. Bon appétit.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Peut-on cuire ces feuilletés à la friteuse à air ?
Oui, en veillant à cuire en deux fournées car le volume peut être trop important d’un coup.
- → Combien de temps se conservent ces feuilletés ?
Ils sont meilleurs consommés immédiatement, mais les restes se gardent jusqu’à 2 jours au réfrigérateur dans un contenant hermétique.
- → Peut-on préparer ces feuilletés à l'avance ?
Absolument, ils peuvent être préparés à l'avance et servis froids ou réchauffés selon les préférences.
- → Quelle pâte feuilletée choisir pour ces roulés ?
La pâte pré-étalée réfrigérée est idéale pour un usage rapide, mais la pâte surgelée convient aussi après décongélation suffisante.
- → Peut-on varier les types de fromage ?
Oui, mozzarella, cheddar ou autres fromages fondants fonctionnent. Chaque variété fond différemment, choisissez selon vos goûts.