Cheesy Ham Pinwheels: Easy Appetizer Recipe

Welcome to a recipe that’s sure to steal the spotlight at your next gathering – Ham and Cheese Pinwheels! These delectable bites are a quick and easy party appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more. Picture flaky pizza dough enveloping thinly sliced deli ham and Swiss cheese, all brushed with a mouthwatering Dijon mustard sauce before baking to golden perfection.

The beauty of these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels lies not just in their irresistible taste but also in their versatility. While the classic ham and Swiss combo is a winner, feel free to get creative with different fillings like turkey and provolone or even vegetarian options like spinach and feta. The buttery Dijon sauce adds a flavorful punch that takes these pinwheels from ordinary to extraordinary, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re hosting a game day get-together or simply looking for a delicious snack, these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are a must-try. Plus, with the option to prepare them ahead of time, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your guests. Get ready to impress with these “fancy pizza rolls” that are bound to become a staple in your entertaining repertoire!

Quick Benefits

• Impressive Party Appetizer: These ham and cheese pinwheels are a go-to party appetizer that never fails to impress guests with their delicious flavor and elegant presentation.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for planning ahead, you can assemble the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate them, and bake when ready to serve, making them a stress-free option for entertaining.
• Versatile Flavor Options: This recipe template is versatile, allowing for endless variations such as turkey and provolone, pepperoni and mozzarella, or vegetarian options like spinach and feta, providing something for everyone to enjoy.
• Customizable Sauce: The buttery Dijon sauce can be customized with different ingredients like honey for sweetness or red pepper flakes for heat, adding a unique flavor profile to the pinwheels.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ham Pinwheels: Easy Appetizer Recipe Recipe

• Impress Guests: These savory ham and cheese pinwheels are a go-to party appetizer that never fails to impress guests with their flaky pizza dough, ham, and melty Swiss cheese combination.
• Quick and Satisfying: Perfect for last-minute gatherings or game-day snacks, these pinwheels are quick to make and satisfy hunger with their delicious flavors.
• Flavor Explosion: The buttery Dijon sauce brushed on during baking creates an incredible flavor explosion that elevates simple ingredients into something truly special.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the roll up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. The chilled dough makes slicing cleaner and easier, perfect for entertaining.
• Endless Variations: Beyond ham and Swiss, the recipe allows for endless variations like turkey and provolone, pepperoni and mozzarella, or even vegetarian options like spinach and feta.
• Versatile Presentation: These pinwheels shine as part of an appetizer spread, in lunch boxes, or as a meal with a side salad. Arrange them elegantly on a wooden board with fresh herbs for a visually appealing presentation.
• Substitution Options: Substitute crescent roll dough for a slightly softer texture, or swap Swiss cheese for provolone or cheddar based on your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ham Pinwheels: Easy Appetizer Recipe

Dough

• 14-ounce can of regular pizza dough

Filling

• 12 slices of thinly shaved deli ham
• 9-12 slices of thinly sliced Swiss cheese

Sauce

• 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of minced onions (optional)
• 6 tablespoons of melted butter
• 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds (optional)

How to Make Cheesy Ham Pinwheels: Easy Appetizer Recipe

Step 1: Prepare oven and baking dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Roll out dough

Place the pizza dough on a cutting board and shape it into a rectangle by pressing out the edges.

Step 3: Add ham and cheese

Evenly distribute 12 slices of ham on the pizza dough, then layer with 9-12 slices of Swiss cheese.

Step 4: Cut into pinwheels

Roll the dough tightly from the short edge. Cut the log in half, then slice each half into 6 equal pieces to make a total of 12 slices. Arrange the slices in the baking dish.

Step 5: Initial bake

Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare sauce

Combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced onions, and poppy seeds (optional) in a small bowl, whisking together.

Step 7: Add sauce and finish baking

Take the rolls out of the oven and brush the sauce evenly on top. Bake for another 10 minutes or until golden.

Step 8: Serve

Allow the pinwheels to sit in the pan for 5 minutes before serving while still warm.

Storage Tips

To store the finished ham and cheese pinwheels, if you have any leftovers, ensure they are completely cooled before handling. Once cooled, place the pinwheels in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the pinwheels for up to 3-4 days, making sure to keep them away from any strong-smelling foods to prevent absorption of odors. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can either reheat them in the oven at a low temperature to preserve their crispiness or enjoy them cold for a convenient snack.

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked ham and cheese pinwheels. Place the cooled pinwheels in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pinwheels to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, ensuring to remove any excess air before sealing. The frozen pinwheels can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, reheat the frozen pinwheels in the oven until warmed through, ensuring not to overheat to maintain their texture and flavor.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy the delicious ham and cheese pinwheels beyond the initial serving, whether as a quick snack, a part of a packed lunch, or for future entertaining occasions.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have regular pizza dough on hand, crescent roll dough can be a suitable substitute for making these ham and cheese pinwheels. The crescent roll dough will give a slightly softer texture to the pinwheels, but it will still work well in the recipe.

While Swiss cheese is the recommended choice for these pinwheels, you can easily swap it out for provolone or cheddar based on your taste preferences or what you have available in your fridge. Both cheeses will melt well and add a delicious flavor to the pinwheels.

If you want to save time on the day of your gathering, you can assemble the pinwheels ahead of time, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. This make-ahead option allows you to prepare in advance and bake fresh when you’re ready to serve, making entertaining easier and stress-free.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try arranging the ham and cheese pinwheels on skewers to create delicious and easy-to-eat party kebabs. Pair them with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or marinara for a fun interactive appetizer experience that will surely be a hit at any gathering.

Another serving idea is to elevate the ham and cheese pinwheels by turning them into a beautiful charcuterie board centerpiece. Arrange the sliced pinwheels on a wooden board alongside an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, nuts, and fruits. Add some fresh herbs and small bowls of mustard and honey for dipping to create a stunning display that will impress guests at any party or event.

FAQs for Cheesy Ham Pinwheels: Easy Appetizer Recipe

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, crescent roll dough works well as a substitute and gives a slightly softer texture to the pinwheels.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss cheese?

Swiss cheese is ideal, but you can substitute with provolone or cheddar based on your taste preferences.

Can I prepare the pinwheels in advance and bake them later?

Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh when ready to serve.

Are the poppy seeds necessary for the recipe, or can I skip them?

Yes, the poppy seeds are optional and can be skipped without affecting the taste of the sauce.

Conclusion

As you embark on making these delightful Ham and Cheese Pinwheels for your next gathering, remember that the joy of cooking lies not just in the delicious outcome but also in the shared moments around the table. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility – feel free to experiment with different fillings and sauces to cater to your taste preferences and wow your guests with your culinary creativity.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are sure to be a hit at any event. The buttery Dijon sauce, the flaky pizza dough, and the savory ham and Swiss cheese come together in perfect harmony to create a mouthwatering appetizer that will leave everyone craving for more. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to impress with these delectable pinwheels that are bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the process of creating these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels, and savor the smiles and compliments that follow as you share your culinary masterpiece with your loved ones.