Enjoy the easiest Ham and Cheese Pinwheels with one quick method that’s ready in less than 20 minutes for an easy toddler meal. It’s a yummy option for dinner or lunch—or to make and stash into the freezer for your own heat-and-eat meals!
We’re big fans of all kinds of Roll-Ups, Pizza Rolls, Pizza Pinwheels, Broccoli and Cheese Pinwheels, and anything in a fun spiral shape. Which means that we love making all flavors of Pinwheels. And this flavor, which has the classic combo of ham and cheddar cheese in the mix, is one of our favorites.
The texture of this easy kid-friendly recipe is super tender, the flavors are rich yet subtle, and the method is so darn easy. The ham and cheese pinwheels are also versatile, which means you can add a veggie or more flavor as you like.
You can make this easy recipe for dinner or a kids lunch idea in under 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s also great paired with a dip or sauce that your kids like—such as ranch, cheese sauce, or pizza sauce—and you can even pack them in a thermos as a hot lunch for preschool or school.
(You may also like Taco Roll-Ups, Sandwich Rolls, Wraps for Kids, and Cheesy Rice.)
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this easy Ham and Cheese Pinwheel recipe so you know what to have on hand and ready to go.
- Refrigerated crescent dough (or pizza dough): To make this super easy, I like to use crescent roll dough from the store. You can also use purchased or homemade Whole-Wheat Pizza Dough. The main difference is how long it takes to prep the dough. They bake similarly.
- Cream cheese: A thin layer of cream cheese over the dough adds moisture and richness to the pinwheels.
- Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham or any finely chopped cooked ham you prefer works here.
- Spices or herbs such as dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, or even pizza seasoning to add additional flavor as you like.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is an overview of how to make this Ham and Cheese Pinwheel recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the times and amounts.
Step 1. Evenly spread on the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and ham.
Step 2. Starting at one end, roll up lengthwise. Use a serrated knife to cut into 1-inch rounds.
Step 4. Bake until puffed up and golden brown. Serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the parchment paper to help lift up the end and roll up the pinwheels into a tight spiral. You can also wrap the dough a little more tightly when you transfer the slices to the baking pan.
You can use strongly flavored cheese such as Swiss cheese or sharp cheddar. You can offer these with a dip such as spicy mustard, Dijon mustard, or yellow mustard or a cheese sauce. Or you can add a sprinkle of dried herbs or ranch seasoning before baking.
The melty cheese helps, and also try to make the spirals as tight as possible when you put them onto the baking sheet. Just pull the end of the dough around a bit to ensure they are nice and snug.
How to Store
Once cooled, you can store the ham and cheese pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on a heat-safe plate in the microwave or for 2-3 minutes in an air fryer at 325 degrees F.
You can also place the cooled pinwheels into a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and seal. Freeze for up to 6 months. To warm from frozen, place on a heat-safe plate and warm in 15-second increments in the microwave.
Best Tips for Success
- Use store-bought crescent dough, whole-wheat pizza dough, or store-bought pizza dough.
- Add minced broccoli, shredded carrots, minced fresh spinach, or any other veggie your kids like to this pinwheels recipe.
- Let cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a plate to let the cheese cool briefly.
- Serve this as dinner, lunch, a snack, or an appetizer.
- Try with Vanilla Milk, a side of Strawberry Yogurt, or with Roasted Frozen Broccoli.
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- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the crescent dough out on a clean cutting board lined with parchment paper.
Evenly spread on the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and ham.
Starting at one end, roll up lengthwise. Use a serrated knife to cut into 1-inch rounds.
- Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown.
Serve warm.
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- Once cooled, you can store the pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on a heat-safe plate in the microwave or for 2-3 minutes in an air fryer at 325 degrees F. You can also place the cooled pinwheels into a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and seal. Freeze for up to 6 months. To warm from frozen, place on a heat-safe plate and warm in 15 second increments in the microwave.
- Use store-bought crescent dough, homemade pizza dough, or store-bought pizza dough.
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- Let the pinwheels cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a plate to let the cheese cool briefly.
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- Serve this as dinner, lunch, a snack, or an appetizer.
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- Offer with a dip such as salsa, ranch, or another dressing or dip your kids like.
Serving: 2pinwheels, Calories: 238kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 27mg, Sodium: 491mg, Potassium: 34mg, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 254IU, Calcium: 138mg, Iron: 1mg
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