Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

1. Preheat the oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the puff pastry:
   • Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases.
   • If you prefer, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the pastry for extra flavor.
3. Assemble the pinwheels:
   • Evenly layer the ham slices over the puff pastry.
   • Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the ham.
   • Optionally, add some fresh herbs or a pinch of black pepper for added flavor.
4. Roll up the pastry:
   • Starting from one edge, carefully roll up the pastry into a tight log or cylinder. Ensure it is rolled tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
5. Cut into pinwheels:
   • Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry into about 1-inch wide pinwheels.
6. Apply egg wash:
   • Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.
7. Bake:
   • Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even baking.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and puffed up.
8. Serve:
   • Let the pinwheels cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm and crispy!

Tips:

• Customization: You can add other ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
• Cheese varieties: Feel free to mix cheeses, such as cheddar with mozzarella, for a gooey, melty filling.
• Make ahead: You can prepare these pinwheels a day ahead. Just refrigerate the assembled pinwheels and bake when ready to serve.

These ham and cheese pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing snack that combines ease with deliciousness, making them an ideal choice for holiday gatherings!