Quick Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe: Swirly Party Pleasers

Rolled pastry with ham and cheese pinwheels create a delightful snack that promises quick satisfaction.

Soft dough wrapped around savory ingredients makes everyone smile at first bite.

Crisp edges and melted cheese peek through golden-brown surfaces, tempting hungry crowds.

Kids and adults alike appreciate these compact little treats perfect for lunch boxes or party platters.

Simple ingredients combine effortlessly to craft something memorable and delicious.

Minimal prep time means you can whip up these crowd-pleasers in less than thirty minutes.

Hungry for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears faster than you can serve?

Let’s roll into this tasty adventure!

Ingredients Used in Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

• Pizza Dough: A versatile foundation that provides structure and texture for the pinwheels.
• Ham Slices: Adds savory protein and classic flavor to the dish.
• Cheese Slices: Provides creamy richness and melty goodness to the pinwheels.

• Butter, Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet and caramelized coating that enhances the overall flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Mustard: Adds depth and tangy complexity to the glaze.
• Poppy Seeds: Introduces a subtle nutty crunch and visual interest to the topping.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures the baking dish is non-stick and helps prevent burning.

How to Prepare Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Take your pizza dough and spread it out on a clean cutting board. Gently press and stretch the dough into a lovely 13×18-inch rectangular shape.

Step 3: Layer Delicious Fillings

• Thin ham slices
• Cheese slices

Make sure the layers cover the entire surface evenly.

Step 4: Create the Pinwheel Roll

Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a neat log. Pinch the seam to seal it completely and place the roll seam-side down.

Step 5: Slice and Arrange

Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 12 beautiful pinwheel slices, each about 1-inch thick. Nestle these slices into your prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Craft the Flavor-Packed Glaze

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard
• Poppy seeds

Keep stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Finish and Bake

Pour the glaze evenly over the pinwheels. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Helpful Suggestions for Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

• Swap out ham for turkey or chicken to create a lighter protein option for health-conscious eaters.
• Ensure pizza dough is at room temperature for easier rolling and preventing tears during preparation.
• Use sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese for more intense flavor profile in your pinwheels.
• Sprinkle dried herbs like thyme or oregano between ham and cheese layers for extra aromatic depth.
• Allow pinwheels to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking to help them set and make cutting easier.

Variation Ideas for Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

• Mediterranean Pinwheels: Replace ham with prosciutto, add sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Pinwheels: Swap ham for shredded chicken, include pepper jack cheese, and mix in diced green chilies for a zesty kick.
• Vegetarian Garden Pinwheels: Use roasted vegetable strips like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach with mozzarella cheese as a meat-free alternative.
• BBQ Chicken Pinwheels: Substitute ham with pulled barbecue chicken, add cheddar cheese, and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce before baking for a smoky taste.

Pairings That Go Well with Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Crisp Salad Sidekick
• Pair the ham and cheese pinwheels with a light, tangy mixed green salad featuring arugula, spinach, and a zesty honey-mustard vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory pinwheel flavors.
• Drink Harmony: Refreshing White Wine Companion
• Select a chilled, crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the buttery, sweet-and-savory glaze, cutting through the richness while enhancing the pinwheels' delicate taste profile.

Storing Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pinwheels flat to maintain their shape and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispy edges and revive melted cheese. Avoid microwave to prevent rubbery texture.
• Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

• Are these pinwheels suitable for kids' lunch boxes?

Perfect for kids! They’re easy to pack, bite-sized, and have crowd-pleasing ham and cheese that most children love.

• Can I use different types of ham?

Absolutely! Deli ham, honey ham, or Black Forest ham all work great. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

• What cheese works best in these pinwheels?

Swiss and cheddar are top choices. They melt beautifully and provide excellent flavor that complements the ham perfectly.

• Is this recipe good for make-ahead meals?

Yes! You can assemble the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve, making it super convenient for meal prep.

Why Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Are a Party Favorite

• Speedy Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make these ham and cheese pinwheels a quick meal perfect for busy families.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, appetizers, game day snacks, or potluck gatherings with their irresistible cheesy and savory flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pinwheels in advance and refrigerate up to a full day, allowing stress-free meal planning and convenient entertaining options.
• Kid-Friendly Delight: Bite-sized, colorful, and packed with familiar flavors that children love, making mealtime fun and enjoyable for the whole family.

Flavorful Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Savory ham and cheese pinwheels spiral with delightful flavor, bringing party-perfect appetizers to life. Creamy cheese and salty ham dance together in these irresistible rolled bites that guests will devour in seconds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated classic pizza crust
• 3/4 pound (340 grams) deli ham
• 12 slices Swiss cheese

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons / 113 grams) butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Garnish/Seasoning Ingredients:

(none)

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Instructions

1. Spread pizza dough flat on a clean surface, stretching into a rectangular shape that maximizes ham and cheese coverage.
2. Layer ham slices uniformly across the entire surface, ensuring complete dough coverage with minimal overlap.
3. Distribute cheese slices evenly on top of ham, creating a consistent layer that reaches all dough edges.
4. Carefully roll the dough tightly from the longer side, maintaining compact tension to prevent filling from shifting.
5. Pinch the final edge to seal the roll completely, preventing ingredients from escaping during baking.
6. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 12 equal pinwheel sections approximately 1-inch thick.
7. Arrange pinwheels in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, positioning them with sealed edges facing downward.
8. Prepare glaze by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then incorporating brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and poppy seeds.
9. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and fully integrated, creating a consistent liquid mixture.
10. Pour glaze evenly over pinwheels, ensuring each piece receives equal coating.
11. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake uncovered for 25 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy on edges.
12. Allow pinwheels to cool for 5 minutes before serving to set the glaze and prevent burning.

Notes

• Swap pizza dough with gluten-free alternatives for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delicious pinwheels.
• Use low-fat ham and reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter version without compromising flavor and texture.
• Experiment with different meat and cheese combinations like turkey and Swiss or prosciutto and provolone for exciting variations.
• Prepare pinwheels ahead of time and freeze unbaked for convenient meal prep, storing in an airtight container up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg