Irresistible Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe for Snack Time Joy

Crafting delightful ham and cheese pinwheels brings pure joy to kitchen adventures.

Spiraled pastry rolls packed with savory goodness never disappoint hungry crowds.

Soft, buttery layers wrap around delicate slices of smoky ham and melted cheese.

Simple ingredients create magic when rolled into these crowd-pleasing appetizers.

Crisp edges and tender centers make each bite irresistibly delicious.

Kids and adults alike cannot resist these cute little spirals.

You’ll find yourself making these pinwheels again and again for quick snacks or party treats.

Let’s transform basic ingredients into something spectacular that will wow everyone at the table.

What Makes Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Perfect for Parties

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Snack: Perfectly sized pinwheels that wow guests at potlucks, game days, and family gatherings with their irresistible ham and cheese combination.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal prep work transforms simple ingredients into a delectable appetizer that looks like you spent hours cooking, with just a few simple steps.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: Soft, cheesy, and packed with familiar flavors that children adore, making mealtime a breeze for parents looking for something both nutritious and tasty.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate, giving busy home cooks flexibility to plan ahead without sacrificing freshness or flavor.

Ingredients Needed for Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

• Pizza Dough: A versatile base that provides the soft and chewy foundation for the pinwheels.
• Ham Slices: Savory meat that adds protein and rich flavor to the appetizer.
• Cheese Slices: Creamy and melty ingredient that brings delicious richness to the pinwheels.

• Butter: Adds a smooth, rich texture and helps create a golden-brown surface.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a sweet caramelized element to the glaze.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a tangy and complex depth of flavor.
• Mustard: Offers a sharp and zesty note to balance the sweetness.
• Poppy Seeds: Adds a subtle nutty crunch and visual interest to the glaze.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent the pinwheels from sticking to the baking dish.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Step 1: Prepare Workspace

Clear your kitchen counter and gather all necessary cooking tools like a cutting board, sharp knife, baking dish, and saucepan. Line up your ingredients for easy access.

Step 2: Roll Out Dough

Gently unroll the pizza dough onto the cutting board. Using your hands, press and stretch the dough into a rectangular shape that’s approximately 13×18 inches. Make sure the surface is even.

Step 3: Layer Delicious Fillings

• Ham slices
• Cheese slices

Spread them evenly across the entire surface, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Create Pinwheel Magic

Starting from the longer side, begin rolling the dough tightly into a log. Ensure each turn is compact and even. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it completely. Place the roll seam-side down on the cutting board.

Step 5: Slice and Arrange

Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 12 equal pinwheel slices. Each slice should be about 1 inch wide. Transfer the pinwheels into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them with a little space between each slice.

Step 6: Craft Flavorful Glaze

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

Whisk the ingredients until they blend smoothly and create a glossy glaze.

Step 7: Final Touch and Bake

Pour the glaze evenly over the pinwheels. Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and the edges look crispy.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and watch everyone enjoy these delectable pinwheels.

Tips for Making Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Easily

• Opt for room temperature dough to ensure easier rolling and prevent tearing when creating pinwheels.
• Select high-quality ham and cheese for maximum flavor and texture in each bite.
• Prevent soggy bottoms by using a non-stick baking dish or lining with parchment paper.
• Allow pinwheels to cool slightly before serving to help them set and maintain their shape.
• Substitute ham with turkey or vegetarian alternatives for dietary preferences without compromising the recipe's delicious essence.

Variations to Try With Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

• Spicy Southwest Pinwheels: Replace ham with shredded chicken, add pepper jack cheese, include diced jalapeños, and use taco seasoning in the glaze for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Veggie Pinwheels: Swap ham with roasted red peppers, spinach, and feta cheese, then season glaze with oregano and garlic powder for Mediterranean flavors.
• Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels: Use shredded buffalo chicken, blue cheese crumbles, drizzle with buffalo sauce instead of traditional glaze, and sprinkle green onions on top.
• Breakfast Pinwheel Rolls: Fill with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and create a maple-mustard glaze for a morning-inspired version.

Pairing Ideas to Complement Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Riesling or light Pinot Grigio to complement the richness of ham and cheese, cutting through the buttery glaze with refreshing acidity.
• Crowd-Pleasing Side Salad: Toss a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts to balance the savory pinwheels and add a zesty, fresh counterpoint.
• Complementary Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick honey-dijon mustard sauce by mixing Dijon mustard, honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for an extra layer of flavor that enhances the pinwheels' sweet and savory profile.

Storing Ham and Cheese Pinwheels for Freshness

• Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual pinwheels in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm individual pinwheels on microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds until heated through.
• Reheat chilled pinwheels in 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

• Can I use different types of ham or cheese?

Yes! Try honey ham, turkey ham, Swiss cheese, or cheddar. Experiment with your favorite deli meats and cheeses for unique flavor combinations.

• Are these pinwheels good for parties?

Absolutely! They’re bite-sized, easy to eat, and can be prepared ahead of time. Perfect for potlucks, game days, or casual gatherings.

• How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

Lightly dust your work surface with flour before unrolling the pizza dough. This helps prevent sticking and makes rolling easier.

• Can kids help make these pinwheels?

Definitely! Kids can help layer ham and cheese, roll the dough, or measure ingredients. It’s a fun, simple recipe to make together.

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory ham and cheese pinwheels spiral with delightful flavor, offering a quick and irresistible appetizer perfect for gatherings. Crisp, golden edges and melted cheese inside promise a crowd-pleasing bite you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated classic pizza crust
• 0.75 pound (12 ounces) deli ham
• 12 slices Swiss cheese

Glaze Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Carefully spread the pizza dough onto a clean cutting board, gently stretching it into a rectangular shape approximately 13×18 inches.
3. Distribute ham slices evenly across the entire surface of the dough, followed by an equal layer of cheese slices, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Tightly roll the dough from the longer side, creating a compact cylindrical shape, then firmly press the seam to seal the edge.
5. Position the rolled dough seam-side down and slice into 12 uniform pinwheels, each approximately 1-inch thick.
6. Arrange the pinwheels strategically in the prepared baking dish, leaving slight spaces between each piece.
7. Prepare the glaze by combining melted butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and poppy seeds in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
8. Pour the warm glaze evenly over the assembled pinwheels, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
9. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the pinwheels transform into a golden, appetizing color and the edges become slightly crisp.

Notes

• Choose room temperature dough for easier rolling and better texture.
• Slice ham and cheese thinly to ensure even distribution and smooth rolling.
• Pat ham dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture in pinwheels.
• Customize with different meats like turkey or chicken for variety.
• Swap regular cheese with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives for dietary needs.
• Line baking dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup and clean removal.
• Prepare ahead and refrigerate overnight for convenient meal prep.
• Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days in refrigerator.
• Reheat gently in oven to maintain crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Sprinkle extra poppy seeds on top before baking for added crunch and visual appeal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 368 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 880 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg