Monte Cristo Pinwheels
Monte Cristo Pinwheels are a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, combining layers of flaky puff pastry, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese, all rolled up and baked to golden perfection. Paired with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of sweet strawberry jam for dipping, these pinwheels are the perfect addition to any breakfast, brunch, or party spread.
I love a good appetizer recipe, especially for brunch. But wait – you can serve these little bites for a holiday, breakfast, or even an evening appetizer. With flaky puff pastry, ham, and Swiss cheese–all rolled up and baked to golden perfection–these are always a hit!
Monte Cristo Pinwheels
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking for a unique appetizer, these pinwheels are guaranteed to impress! Serve them warm from the oven for a truly irresistible treat that everyone will love. And use what jam you have in the pantry! Of course for Christmas, we love strawberry or raspberry preserves.
Read more: Monte Cristo Pinwheels
And you know how much we love “monte cristo” recipes in general. Our breakfast casserole and brekfast burrito bake are both a BIG hit.
Why I love this recipe
- Perfect breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner appetizer.
- Elegant presentation for any party.
- Perfect for any holiday, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter!
Gather these ingredients
- Frozen puff pastry (2) sheets – thawed
- Dijon mustard
- Black forest ham – thin (I buy at Trader Joe’s)
- Swiss cheese
- Strawberry jam
- Powdered sugar
How to make Monte Cristo Pinwheels
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Unfold one sheet of puff pastry over a clean space (counter or cutting board). Smooth out the dough by rolling with the rolling pin, but not too thin. Next, spread 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard over the pastry using a spreader or scraper.
- Lay down 8 slices of ham on top of the mustard, followed by 6 slices of Swiss cheese.
- Repeat with the other puff pastry, following the exact same process. You will have 2 baking sheets ready for rolling and making the pinwheels.
Making the pinwheels:
- Roll up the dough tightly into a log – starting at one edge of the pastry. Using a serrated knife, slice the log into 4 pieces, and then slice each quarter into 3 (to make 12). Repeat with another sheet of pastry and the rest of the ingredients.
Baking the pinwheels:
- Place 12 pinwheels on each baking sheet, cut side up, and bake until the puff pastry has turned golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving platter and dust the pinwheels with powdered sugar. Place strawberry jam in a small dish in the center of a platter. Set out the 24 pinwheels around it (it’s ok to stack them), and serve with jam for dipping.
Tips & substitutions
- Use your favorite jam. Although raspberry jam is more traditional, like we serve in our Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole, we love these pinwheels served with strawberry jam. BUT… you can use your favorite jam, even apricot tastes amazing!
- If you don’t love ham, you can try thin deli turkey breast.
- Don’t skimp on the Dijon mustard, it’s fabulous!
- Every Monte Cristo needs a little powdered sugar dusting before taking that big bite!
- Make sure to have 2 baking sheets for this recipe.
Serving suggestions
Serve these Monte Cristo Pinwheels together with a fresh fruit salad, cheesy egg casserole and crispy hash browns for an epic brunch spread!
Storage
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Check out these other brunch classics while you’re here:
- Slow Cooker Bacon Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
- Christmas Morning Slow Cooker Breakfast
- Amish Breakfast Casserole
- Christmas Frittata
Get the Recipe:
Monte Cristo Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 1 box frozen puff pastry 2 sheets, thawed
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 16 slices thin black forest ham, I buy at Trader Joe’s
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- 2 Tbsp powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Unfold one sheet of puff pastry over a clean space (counter or cutting board). Smooth out the dough by rolling with a rolling pin, but not too thin. Next, spread 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard over the pastry using a spreader or scraper.
- Lay down 8 slices of ham on top of the mustard, followed by 6 slices of Swiss cheese.
- Repeat with the other puff pastry, following the exact same process. You will have 2 baking sheets ready for rolling and making the pinwheels.
Make 12 pinwheels:
- Starting at one edge of the pastry, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Using a serrated knife, slice the log into 4 pieces, and then slice each quarter into 3 (to make 12).. Repeat with another sheet of pastry and the rest of the ingredients.
- Baking: Place 12 pinwheels on each baking sheet, cut side up, and bake until the puff pastry has turned golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving platter and dust the pinwheels with powdered sugar.
- Serving: Place strawberry jam in a small dish in the center of a platter. Set out the 24 pinwheels around it (it’s okay to stack them), and serve with the jam for dipping.
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
