Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful treat that combines the savory flavors of ham and cheese with a soft, flaky pastry, making them an irresistible snack or appetizer. Originating from various culinary traditions, these pinwheels have become a popular choice for gatherings, parties, and even casual family dinners. Their versatility allows for endless variations, but the classic combination of ham and cheese remains a favorite among many.
People love Ham and Cheese Pinwheels not only for their delicious taste but also for their appealing texture. The crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the gooey, melted cheese and tender ham inside, creating a satisfying bite every time. Additionally, these pinwheels are incredibly convenient to prepare, making them an ideal option for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. Whether served warm or at room temperature, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike!

Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 6 oz sliced ham
- 6 oz sliced cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or your choice)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pinwheels will bake evenly and achieve a golden-brown color.
- Open the package of refrigerated crescent roll dough. Carefully unroll the dough onto a clean, flat surface. You should have a large rectangle of dough.
- Pinch the seams of the crescent roll dough together to create a solid sheet. This will help prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Preparing the Filling
- If you are using Dijon mustard and mayonnaise, mix them together in a small bowl. This will create a flavorful spread for your pinwheels.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper evenly over the dough. This will add extra flavor to the pinwheels.
- Spread the mustard and mayonnaise mixture (if using) evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This will help keep the filling in place.
- Layer the sliced ham evenly over the spread, covering the entire surface of the dough.
- Next, layer the sliced cheese over the ham. You can use one type of cheese or a combination of your favorites for added flavor.
Rolling the Pinwheels
- Starting from one end of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Make sure to roll it evenly to ensure uniform pinwheels.
- Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal the log. This will help keep the filling inside during baking.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels. You should get about 12-15 pinwheels, depending on how thick you slice them.
Preparing for Baking
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the pinwheels from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for expansion during baking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. This will give the pinwheels a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Using a pastry brush, gently brush the egg wash over the tops of each pinwheel. This step is optional but highly recommended for a shiny finish.
Baking the Pinwheels
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning. If they are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
- Once baked, remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
Serving the Pinwheels
- Transfer the pinwheels to a serving platter. You can garnish them with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. These pinwheels are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party food.
- If desired, serve with additional mustard or dipping sauces on the side for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating
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- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 pinwheels 1x
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 6 oz sliced ham
- 6 oz sliced cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or your choice)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Open the package of refrigerated crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean, flat surface.
- Pinch the seams of the crescent roll dough together to create a solid sheet.
- If using, mix Dijon mustard and mayonnaise in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper evenly over the dough.
- Spread the mustard and mayonnaise mixture (if using) evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Layer the sliced ham evenly over the spread.
- Layer the sliced cheese over the ham.
- Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Pinch the seam to seal the log.
- Slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels (about 12-15 pinwheels).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water for the egg wash.
- Brush the egg wash over the tops of each pinwheel.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Monitor towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning; cover loosely with aluminum foil if needed.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer pinwheels to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with additional mustard or dipping sauces.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite meats and cheeses.
- These pinwheels can also be made ahead of time and frozen before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes

Conclusion:
In summary, these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their snack game or impress guests at their next gathering. With their delightful combination of savory ham, creamy cheese, and a hint of tangy mustard, these pinwheels are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a delicious appetizer at parties, a fun addition to lunchboxes, or even as a quick and satisfying snack for movie nights. Feel free to get creative with variationstry adding some fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition, or swap out the ham for turkey or roast beef for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or a sharp cheddar for a more robust taste. We encourage you to try this Ham and Cheese Pinwheels recipe and share your experience with friends and family. Whether you stick to the classic version or put your own spin on it, wed love to hear how they turn out! Dont forget to snap a picture and tag us on social media so we can see your delicious creations. Happy cooking! Print
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels: Easy and Delicious Snack Recipe
Description
These ham and cheese pinwheels are a quick and tasty appetizer made with flaky crescent roll dough, savory ham, and melted cheese. Perfect for parties, they can be customized with your favorite fillings and are easy to prepare and bake. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
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