Flaky Ham Cheese Pinwheels

This hearty ham and cheese pinwheel recipe has been my family's go-to appetizer for years. The flaky, buttery dough wraps around savory ham and melty cheese, creating bite-sized flavor bombs that disappear in minutes at any gathering.

I first made these pinwheels for a last-minute game day gathering when I was scrambling for something quick but impressive. They were such a hit that they've become my signature appetizer whenever friends come over.

Ingredients

• Crescent dough tube: The star of the show providing that flaky texture without any effort
• Honey ham: Thinly sliced adds savory sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cheese
• Swiss cheese: Adds a nutty flavor that melts beautifully
• White American cheese: Creates that creamy melt factor that holds everything together
• Unsalted butter: Forms the base of our delicious basting sauce
• Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tang that cuts through the richness
• Poppy seeds: Provide a subtle crunch and visual appeal
• Garlic powder: Infuses the butter with aromatic flavor
• Worcestershire sauce: Brings depth and umami to every bite
• Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously coat your 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Be thorough here the pinwheels can stick if the pan isnt properly greased.

Prepare the Dough:

Unroll the crescent dough onto a cutting board forming one solid sheet. Take a moment to pinch together any perforated lines to create a seamless rectangle. Gently roll it out to a 10x13 dimension ensuring even thickness throughout.

Layer the Fillings:

Carefully lay the honey ham slices evenly across the dough surface leaving a small half inch border around all edges. This border ensures proper sealing. Follow with an even layer of Swiss cheese slices and then the white American cheese making sure the coverage is complete.

Roll and Slice:

Starting from the short side roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll maintaining even pressure as you go. A tight roll prevents gaps when baked. Using a sharp serrated knife carefully cut into 16 even slices. For perfect portions first cut the roll in half then each half in half and continue until you have 16 pieces.

Arrange in Baking Dish:

Place each pinwheel slice cut side up in your prepared baking dish leaving a small amount of space between each one to allow for expansion during baking.

Create and Apply the Butter Sauce:

In a microwave safe bowl melt the butter until completely liquid about 30 seconds. Whisk in the Dijon mustard poppy seeds garlic powder Worcestershire sauce and salt until fully combined. Using a basting brush generously coat the tops of each pinwheel with this flavorful mixture.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Bake uncovered for 20 to 24 minutes. Look for visual cues the tops should be lightly golden brown and the dough will have noticeably puffed up. The cheese should be completely melted and bubbling.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the pinwheels to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows the cheese to set slightly making them easier to handle. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color.

Pin it

My favorite thing about these pinwheels is the butter sauce. I discovered it by accident when I was trying to prevent the tops from drying out during baking. Now my family asks for extra sauce on the side for dipping. The combination of Dijon and poppy seeds creates this incredible flavor that elevates simple ingredients into something special.

Make-Ahead Magic

These pinwheels are perfect for planning ahead. You can prepare the entire recipe up through arranging them in the baking dish then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve simply prepare the butter mixture fresh remove the dish from the refrigerator while the oven preheats brush with the butter mixture and bake. You might need to add an extra 3 to 5 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Smart Substitutions

If honey ham isnt your preference try using smoked turkey black forest ham or even pepperoni for a spicier version. For the cheese experiment with provolone for a sharper flavor or pepper jack for a hint of heat. Vegetarians can enjoy this recipe by substituting the ham with thin layers of roasted red peppers and spinach leaves. The butter sauce can be made with plant based butter for those avoiding dairy.

Serving Suggestions

These pinwheels are versatile enough to work in multiple settings. For a casual game day spread serve them alongside a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch. For a more elegant appetizer presentation arrange them on a serving platter with small bowls of different mustards and a garnish of fresh herbs. They pair beautifully with crisp white wines or light beers. For a complete meal serve them with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Pin it

Savory, comforting, and endlessly customizable, these ham and cheese pinwheels are bound to become a staple in your appetizer repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble them, place in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator, add the butter mixture and bake according to directions, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.

→ What's the best way to slice the pinwheels evenly?

Using a serrated knife is key for clean cuts. For even sizing, first cut the roll in half, then cut each half in half again, and continue dividing each section until you have 16 even slices. You can also chill the rolled dough for 15 minutes before slicing to help maintain the shape.

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While Swiss and white American create a perfect melt and flavor, you can substitute with cheddar, provolone, Gruyère, or Havarti. Just ensure the cheese is thinly sliced for proper melting and rolling.

→ What can I serve with Ham and Cheese Pinwheels?

These pinwheels pair wonderfully with a honey mustard dipping sauce, marinara, or ranch dressing. For a complete appetizer spread, serve alongside fresh vegetables, fruit, or a light salad to balance the richness.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy.

→ Can I freeze Ham and Cheese Pinwheels?

Yes! You can freeze them either before or after baking. For unbaked pinwheels, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 7-10 minutes to the cooking time. For baked pinwheels, cool completely, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.