This warm, buttery snack is an instant crowd-pleaser. Flaky crescent dough wraps layers of salty ham and melty cheese into easy pinwheels that bake up golden and fragrant in minutes. They smell of butter and toasted dough, with a savory, cheesy bite and a soft, slightly crisp texture. Serve them hot for gooey cheese, or room temperature as an easy party finger food. If you enjoy quick, comforting appetizers, you might also like this baked cream cheese chicken for a different weeknight favorite.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 22–25 minutes
- Servings: 6 (about 12 pinwheels)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving — 2 pinwheels)
- Calories per serving: 325 kcal
- Protein: 19 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Why Make This Hot Ham & Cheese Pinwheels
These pinwheels are fast, satisfying, and great for both weeknight dinners and parties. They taste like a classic ham-and-cheese sandwich but with a flakier, buttery crust and concentrated cheesy pockets. They bake quickly and hold their shape, so you can make a big batch without standing over the stove. The aroma of baking butter and melted cheese will pull guests to the table in minutes.
How to Make Hot Ham & Cheese Pinwheels
Follow simple steps: press the crescent dough into a sheet, spread mustard if you like tang, layer ham and cheese, roll tight, slice, and bake. The result is golden, gooey, and lightly crisp on the edges.
Ingredients:
- 1 package crescent roll dough
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of cheese (such as Swiss or cheddar)
- 2 tablespoons mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. Unroll the crescent roll dough and pinch the seams together to form one rectangle so the dough won’t split while rolling.
Step 2: Mixing
If using mustard, spread the 2 tablespoons evenly over the dough to add a tangy layer. Layer the ham and cheese evenly across the dough, covering the surface but leaving a small margin at the far edge to seal.
Step 3: Baking
Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log so the layers stay compact. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1-inch rounds and arrange them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with poppy seeds if desired. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove from the oven and let the pinwheels cool slightly on the sheet for 3–5 minutes so the cheese sets a bit. Serve warm so the centers are gooey and the edges remain crisp.
How to Serve Hot Ham & Cheese Pinwheels
Serve these pinwheels hot or at room temperature. They pair well with simple sides:
- A crisp green salad or slaw for freshness.
- Pickles or olives to cut the richness.
- Dipping sauces: honey mustard, ranch, or warm cheese dip.
They make great party finger food, school lunches, or game-day snacks.
How to Store Hot Ham & Cheese Pinwheels
- Fridge: Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness.
- Freeze: Freeze cooled pinwheels in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 12–15 minutes or until heated through.
- Make-ahead: Assemble pinwheels and keep them unbaked in the fridge for up to 6 hours. Bake when ready for fresher results.
Expert Tips for Perfect Hot Ham & Cheese Pinwheels
- Press seams well: Pinch crescent seams fully so the dough doesn’t open while baking.
- Roll tight: Tighter rolls make neater pinwheels and prevent cheese from spilling out.
- Chill briefly: If the dough becomes sticky while slicing, chill the log 10 minutes to firm it up.
- Use thin slices: Thin ham and cheese layers keep the roll compact and easy to slice.
- Watch the oven: Ovens vary — check at 12 minutes so they don’t overbrown.
- Swap seeds: If you don’t like poppy seeds, use sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning.
Delicious Variations
- Turkey & Swiss: Substitute turkey slices for ham and use Swiss for a milder bite.
- Ham, Cheese & Spinach: Add a handful of sautéed, well-drained spinach before rolling for color and nutrition.
- BBQ Ham & Cheddar: Brush with a thin layer of BBQ sauce instead of mustard and use sharp cheddar.
- Jalapeño Pinwheels: Add thinly sliced jalapeño or a smear of spicy mustard for heat.
- Vegetarian: Replace ham with roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper) and add a slice of mozzarella.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-sliced deli ham or should it be thicker cut?
A: Pre-sliced deli ham works best because it lays flat and rolls easily. If slices are thick, layer them evenly or slightly overlap to avoid lumps.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble and keep unbaked pinwheels covered in the fridge for up to 6 hours. For longer hold, freeze assembled pinwheels and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Q: What cheese melts best in these pinwheels?
A: Cheddar, Swiss, provolone, and Monterey Jack all melt well. Use a semi-soft to semi-hard cheese so it melts but still slices nicely.
Q: My pinwheels leak cheese while baking. How do I prevent that?
A: Don’t overfill. Leave a small dough border when layering. Roll tightly and press seams. Chilling the log briefly before slicing helps too.
Q: Can I make smaller or larger pinwheels?
A: Yes. Slice to your preferred thickness. Thicker slices will need a minute or two longer in the oven to heat through.
Q: Are these safe to serve to kids?
A: Yes. They’re mild and easy to handle. For young children, let pinwheels cool a bit so the cheese isn’t too hot.
Q: How can I reduce the sodium?
A: Use low-sodium ham and reduced-sodium cheese, and check the crescent dough label. Mustard adds flavor so you can use less salt.
Conclusion
These Hot Ham & Cheese Pinwheels are quick, comforting, and endlessly adaptable — perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. They offer warm, buttery pastry, melty cheese, and savory ham in every bite. For more ideas on easy, crowd-pleasing roll-up snacks and variations, check out this recipe for Hot Ham and Cheese Pinwheels | Ham and Cheese Roll Ups Recipe. Give them a try — they come together fast and disappear even faster. Enjoy!
Print
Hot Ham & Cheese Pinwheels
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (about 12 pinwheels) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm, buttery pinwheels filled with salty ham and melty cheese, perfect for parties or weeknight snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 package crescent roll dough
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of cheese (such as Swiss or cheddar)
- 2 tablespoons mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and press the seams together to form a rectangle.
- If using, spread mustard evenly over the dough.
- Layer the ham and cheese over the dough, leaving a margin at the edge to seal.
- Starting from one side, roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 1-inch rounds.
- Arrange the slices cut-side up on the baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
- Sprinkle with poppy seeds if desired and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 3–5 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
These pinwheels can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer. For a variety, substitute turkey or add sautéed spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pinwheels
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
