Hot Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. Made with layers of savory ham and gooey melted cheese, all rolled up in soft crescent dough and baked until golden brown, they’re perfect for parties, game day snacks, or even a quick weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Just 10 minutes of prep time and minimal ingredients.
- Customizable: Switch up the cheese or add your favorite fillings.
- Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a potluck, picnic, or casual dinner, these pinwheels are always a hit.
Ingredients
To make 12 delicious pinwheels, you’ll need:
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 slices of deli ham (thinly sliced)
- 8 slices Swiss cheese (or any melty cheese like cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional topping)
How to Make Hot Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Dough
- Unroll the crescent dough and press the seams together to form one large rectangle.
3. Add the Fillings
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (if using) over the dough.
- Evenly layer the ham slices, followed by the cheese slices.
4. Roll and Slice
- Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Use a sharp knife to slice into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
5. Bake
- Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with poppy seeds if desired.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Tips for Success
- Chill before slicing: If your dough feels too soft, pop the rolled log in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to make slicing easier.
- Roll tightly: This helps prevent unrolling in the oven.
- Switch it up: Use turkey, pepperoni, or even spinach and caramelized onions for variety. Try cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavor combos.
Serving Suggestions
These pinwheels are best served warm and pair wonderfully with:
- Honey mustard
- Ranch dressing
- Marinara sauce
- A crisp green salad or a bowl of soup
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to retain crispness. Avoid microwaving.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pinwheels on a tray, transfer to a freezer-safe bag, and bake from frozen (adding a few extra minutes to the bake time).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different dough?
Yes! Puff pastry or pizza dough work well and add different textures.
Can I prep them ahead?
Absolutely. Assemble and chill them ahead of time or freeze them unbaked.
Why do my pinwheels unroll?
Make sure you roll them tightly and chill before slicing. Pressing the seams together also helps.
Hot Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Author: Stephanie
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 pinwheels
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) can crescent roll dough
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 slices Swiss cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out crescent dough, pressing seams together to form one rectangle.
- Spread Dijon mustard over the dough if using. Layer ham and cheese.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
- Place on the baking sheet. Brush with butter and sprinkle with poppy seeds if desired.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm and enjoy!