Ham and Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you know the magic of having a go-to appetizer that wows every guest but secretly takes minimal effort. Enter Ham and Cream Cheese Pinwheels—the ultimate party pleaser that never fails to disappear within minutes of hitting the table. Whether it’s game day, a family brunch, or just a lazy Sunday snack, these golden, flaky bites with savory ham and creamy goodness are always a hit.
I can’t even count how many times these pinwheels have saved me when I needed something quick, tasty, and impressive. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation—just like my Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls did!
Why You’ll Love Ham and Cream Cheese Pinwheels
There’s something about Ham and Cream Cheese Pinwheels that brings out the “just one more” mentality. Maybe it’s the buttery puff pastry, or that perfect blend of salty ham and smooth, tangy creaminess. Whatever it is, they’re dangerously addictive—and here’s why you’ll fall in love too:
Family-Friendly Fun: Even the pickiest eaters light up when they see these on the table. It’s finger food at its finest!
Customizable for Every Occasion: Whether you’re feeling classic or adventurous, you can tweak these pinwheels to match your mood—just like I do with my Spinach and Feta Chicken Roll Ups.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prep them in advance, freeze them, and pop them in the oven when guests arrive. Stress-free entertaining? Yes, please.
Perfect for Any Event: From casual snacks to elegant brunch spreads, these pinwheels appetizers fit right in.
Ingredients for the Best Ham and Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Let’s talk about what you’ll need to bring these beauties to life. The ingredient list is refreshingly short but oh-so-effective.
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed overnight in the refrigerator
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, divided
12 slices thinly-sliced, good-quality deli ham (about 10 ounces)
2 cups freshly grated Gruyere, Swiss, Fontina, or sharp cheddar cheese (about 5 ounces)
Chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or chives (optional, for serving)
I love using Gruyere for its nutty flavor, but honestly, any melty cheese works wonders. And while Dijon mustard gives that subtle zing, feel free to adjust based on your taste buds!
How to Make Ham and Cream Cheese Pinwheels Like a Pro
Alright, let’s get rolling—literally! Making Ham and Cream Cheese Pinwheels is as fun as it is simple. Here’s exactly how I whip them up when I want to impress without the mess.
Thaw the Puff Pastry
First things first—patience is key here. Let your puff pastry thaw overnight in the fridge. I’ve tried shortcuts, but trust me, slow thawing keeps that pastry light, flaky, and fabulous.
Prepare the Work Surface
Lay down a large piece of plastic wrap. Unfold one pastry sheet and gently roll it into a 10×12-inch rectangle. This gives you plenty of surface area for all that delicious filling.
Add the Filling
Here’s where the magic starts. Spread 1 ½ tablespoons of Dijon mustard evenly, leaving a little border. Then, layer on 6 slices of ham—don’t be shy! Sprinkle with 1 cup of your chosen cheese.
Roll and Chill
Roll it up tightly from the long edge to form a neat log. Trim the ends (I usually snack on those scraps—chef’s treat!). Wrap it up and let it chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
Repeat
Got a second sheet of pastry? You know what to do—repeat the process and double the deliciousness.
Preheat and Slice
While the logs chill, preheat your oven to 375°F. Once firm, slice each log into ½-inch pinwheels. You’ll get about 24 per roll, which sounds like a lot—until they vanish in minutes.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Space them out on lined baking sheets and bake for around 18 minutes. When they’re golden, bubbly, and irresistible, sprinkle with fresh herbs if you like.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips for Ham and Cream Cheese Pinwheels
One of my favorite things about Ham and Cream Cheese Pinwheels is how well they fit into my “plan ahead” lifestyle. Whether I’m hosting or just craving a savory snack, here’s how I keep them fresh:
To Store
Pop leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) in an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days. A quick reheat in the oven brings back that crisp, flaky texture.
To Freeze
I always bake first, then freeze. Once cooled, lay them flat to freeze, then transfer to a container. They reheat beautifully straight from frozen—perfect for unexpected guests or late-night cravings after enjoying some Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls for dessert.
Make Ahead
Hosting tomorrow? Bake them today! If serving within 24 hours, they’re fine at room temp. Any longer, and into the freezer they go.
Fun Variations to Spice Up Your Pinwheels Appetizers
As much as I adore classic Ham and Cream Cheese Pinwheels, sometimes I like to mix things up—kind of like how I switch between making Texas Roadhouse Rolls and Pepperoni Stromboli depending on my carb cravings.
Pizza Pinwheels
Swap the ham for pepperoni, the cheese for provolone, and add a touch of sun-dried tomato. Instant pizza vibes!
Italian Style
Think salami, spinach, black olives, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Pair with a side of ranch for dipping—chef’s kiss!
Protein Alternatives
Not in the mood for ham? Try turkey, crispy bacon, shredded chicken, or even roast beef. The possibilities are endless, and every combo feels like a brand-new recipe.
Why Ham and Cream Cheese Pinwheels Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Box
If you’re searching for that perfect appetizer that balances ease, flavor, and versatility, Ham and Cream Cheese Pinwheels are your answer. They’ve become my secret weapon for every occasion—simple enough for weekday snacks but elegant enough for entertaining.
And if you love easy, crowd-pleasing recipes, don’t miss my Egg Roll in a Bowl for a low-carb twist on a takeout classic!
More Easy Appetizer Recipes to Try
Looking to expand your appetizer game? Here are a few more favorites I keep on repeat:
Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, these recipes will keep your snack table exciting!
If you try these Ham and Cream Cheese Pinwheels, let me know how they turn out—and which variation you loved most!
Ham and Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry thawed overnight in the refrigerator
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard divided
- 12 slices thinly-sliced good-quality deli ham (about 10 ounces)
- 2 cups freshly grated Gruyere Swiss, Fontina, or sharp cheddar cheese (about 5 ounces)
- Chopped fresh parsley thyme, or chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Place thawed puff pastry sheets on a clean surface and roll each into a 10×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread 1 ½ tablespoons of Dijon mustard over each sheet, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Layer 6 slices of ham on each sheet, slightly overlapping.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of grated cheese evenly over the ham on each sheet.
- Roll each sheet tightly from the long edge into a log. Trim the ends for evenness.
- Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice each chilled log into ½-inch thick pinwheels (about 24 slices per log).
- Arrange pinwheels 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
- Bake for 18 minutes, until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Fully bake, cool, and freeze pinwheels in a single layer. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F until warmed through.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to crisp up.
- Variations: Swap ham for turkey, chicken, or pepperoni. Add spinach, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist.
- Perfect for parties, brunches, or a savory snack anytime!
