Monte Cristo Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Monte Cristo Puff Pastry Pinwheels combine savory ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry for a delightful appetizer or snack. With a hint of Dijon mustard and a touch of sweetness from raspberry jam, these pinwheels are sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 puff pastry sheets (17.3 oz box)
• ½ pound ham, thinly sliced
• ½ pound turkey, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 12 Swiss cheese slices (about 8 ounces)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• Powdered sugar, for serving
• Raspberry jam, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: If using refrigerated puff pastry, let it rest for 5 minutes at room temperature. If frozen, let it rest for 30 minutes before using.
3. Step 3: Lightly dust a cutting board with flour and unfold one puff pastry sheet. Roll it into a 10- by 12-inch rectangle with a rolling pin.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and salt. Brush half of this mixture evenly over the rolled pastry.
5. Step 5: Layer half of the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese evenly over the mustard sauce.
6. Step 6: Starting from the long (12-inch) side, tightly roll the pastry into a log, tucking in the filling as you go.
7. Step 7: Trim any excess filling from the ends. Place the log seam-side down, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight.
8. Step 8: Repeat steps 3 to 7 with the second puff pastry sheet and remaining filling and sauce.
9. Step 9: When ready to bake, cut each chilled log into twelve 1-inch slices. Place 12 pinwheels evenly spaced on each prepared baking sheet.
10. Step 10: Whisk together the egg and heavy whipping cream until smooth. Brush the tops and sides of each pinwheel with this egg wash.
11. Step 11: Bake for 24-28 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
12. Step 12: Immediately brush the baked pinwheels with melted butter. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and raspberry jam on the side, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of black pepper or a little grated Parmesan cheese inside before rolling.
• Substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or cheddar for a different taste.
• Serve pinwheels with honey mustard or a tangy mustard dip as an alternative to raspberry jam.
• If you don’t have deli meat, cooked chicken or roasted vegetables make great filling options.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. They can also be frozen before baking; thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works wonderfully and adds a personal touch. Just ensure it is rolled out to a similar size before assembling.

Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble and refrigerate or freeze the rolled logs in advance. Slice and bake them when ready to serve for fresh, warm pinwheels.

Monte Cristo Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

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Monte Cristo Puff Pastry Pinwheels are delightful, flaky pastries filled with savory ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese, complemented by a tangy mayonnaise and Dijon mustard sauce. These elegant pinwheels are baked to a golden crisp and finished with melted butter, powdered sugar, and served with raspberry jam, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors ideal for brunch, appetizers, or a special snack.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 26 minutes
• Total Time: 46 minutes plus chilling time
• Yield: 24 pinwheels 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff Pastry and Filling

• 2 puff pastry sheets (17.3 oz box)
• ½ pound ham, thinly sliced
• ½ pound turkey, thinly sliced
• 12 Swiss cheese slices (about 8 ounces)

Mustard Sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt

Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream

Finishing

• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• Powdered sugar, for serving
• Raspberry jam, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare puff pastry: If using refrigerated puff pastry, allow it to rest for 5 minutes at room temperature. For frozen puff pastry, rest for about 30 minutes until pliable. Lightly dust a cutting board with flour, then unfold one sheet and roll it out into a 10 x 12-inch rectangle.
3. Make the mustard sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and salt until smooth. Brush half of this sauce evenly over the rolled-out puff pastry.
4. Layer fillings and roll: Arrange half of the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese evenly over the mustard sauce. Starting from the long (12-inch) side, tightly roll the pastry into a log shape, folding in the filling as you roll.
5. Chill the roll: Trim excess filling from the ends if needed. Place the seam side down, wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to overnight. Repeat all steps with the second puff pastry sheet and remaining ingredients.
6. Slice the rolls: Once chilled, cut each roll into twelve 1-inch slices to form pinwheels. Lay these pinwheels evenly spaced on the lined baking sheets.
7. Apply egg wash: Whisk the egg and heavy cream in a small bowl until smooth. Brush the tops and sides of each pinwheel with the egg wash to ensure a golden, glossy finish.
8. Bake to perfection: Bake the pinwheels for 24-28 minutes or until they turn golden brown and puffed up. Immediately after baking, brush each pinwheel with melted butter for added richness.
9. Serve: Serve warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top and a side of raspberry jam for dipping, enhancing the sweet and savory contrast.

Notes

• Allowing the puff pastry to rest ensures it rolls easily without cracking.
• Chilling the rolled logs before slicing helps maintain shape and prevents filling from spilling out.
• You can substitute the meats or cheese to suit preferences, but Swiss cheese complements the flavors best.
• Serve these pinwheels warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
• Powdered sugar and raspberry jam create the traditional sweet contrast to the savory filling.

Keywords: Monte Cristo, puff pastry, pinwheels, ham and turkey, Swiss cheese, appetizer, brunch, hors d’oeuvre, baked pastry