These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels roll sliced ham and Swiss cheese with tender crescent dough. The pinwheels are brushed with garlic butter to amp up the flavor for an easy appetizer or quick dinner!

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels roll sliced ham and Swiss cheese with tender crescent dough

Crescent roll appetizers like these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are always a hit for parties because letโ€™s face it: crescent roll dough is pretty irresistible! Itโ€™s got that slightly crunchy exterior, pillowy middle, and buttery flavorโ€”and because you buy the dough in a tube at the grocery store, itโ€™s super easy to use! No need to fuss with yeast and kneading, just pop open the can and youโ€™re good to go! 

Easy Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

pinwheels on a plate

This is one of those appetizer recipes that doubles as a kid-friendly dinner, too! No matter when you serve them, trust me when I say that these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels will disappear as soon as you pull them out of the oven! Theyโ€™re a little bit like the classic Ham-and-Swiss sandwich, with the addition of warm crescent dough, melty cheese, and flavorful garlic butter. Is your mouth watering yet?!

If you make these as a party appetizer, you can assemble them up to a day in advance. I recommend brushing them with butter just before baking, then put them in the oven as your guests arrive so you have a piping hot snack ready and waiting. 

ham and cheese pinwheel appetizer ingredients

Ingredients

See the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

  • Crescent roll dough โ€“ Make sure you buy crescent roll dough, not croissant dough or puff pastry! 
  • Deli sliced ham โ€“ You can use smoked ham or any other variety you like.
  • Dijon mustard
  • Sliced Swiss cheese โ€“ Ham and Swiss is a classic combination, but you can use another cheese instead if you prefer!
  • Butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Poppy seeds
  • Parsley 

How to Make Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

steps to make ham and cheese pinwheels
  1. Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF and grease an 8-x-8″ baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Assemble: Unroll the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and separate the sheet into rectangles. Pinch along the perforations to seal, then spread the mustard onto each rectangle and top with sliced ham and cheese. Starting with one of the short sides, roll up each rectangle into a log and pinch along the edges to seal them. Use a sharp knife to cut each roll into 5-6 slices. Place the rolls into the prepared baking pan.
  3. Butter the Ham and Cheese Pinwheels: Whisk the melted butter and garlic powder in a small bowl, then brush this mixture onto the pinwheels. Sprinkle the poppy seeds on top.ย 
  4. Bake: Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and the cheese has melted.
pinwheels being served

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Place leftovers in an airtight storage container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. You can eat them cold, at room temperature, or warm them up again in a microwave or in a 375ยบF oven for about 10 minutes. You can also freeze Ham and Cheese Pinwheels for up to 2 months; reheat them in the oven for best results.

ham and cheese pinwheels with a bite taken out

FAQs

Can pinwheels be made the night before?

Yes, you can make Ham and Cheese Pinwheels the night before you serve them. I recommend assembling them up to the point of brushing them with garlic butter.

How far in advance can pinwheels be made?

I wouldnโ€™t recommend assembling your Ham and Cheese Pinwheels more than a day in advance.ย 

Can pinwheels be eaten cold?

I think Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are best served warm for a party, but if you have leftovers, you can definitely eat them cold!ย 

How do you keep pinwheels from getting soggy?

Donโ€™t brush the pinwheels with butter until youโ€™re ready to pop them in the oven. This will keep them from getting soggy.

More Crescent Roll Dough Recipes

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels roll sliced ham and Swiss cheese with tender crescent dough. The pinwheels are brushed with garlic butter to amp up the flavor for an easy appetizer or quick dinner!
4.17 from 6 votes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients  

  • 1 8-oz. tube crescent roll dough
  • 1/2 lb. deli sliced ham
  • 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 8 oz. sliced Swiss cheese
  • 4 tbsp. butter melted
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. poppy seeds
  • chopped parsley

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350ยฐ. Grease an 8-x-8″ baking pan with cooking spray.
  • On a lightly floured surface, unroll dough and separate the sheet into rectangles. Pinch the perforations to seal. Spread mustard onto each rectangle. Top with sliced ham and cheese. Starting with one short side, roll up each rectangle. Pinch edges to seal. Cut each roll into 5-6 slices. Place cut side up in baking pan.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic powder. Brush over pinwheels, then sprinkle poppy seeds on top. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the rolls are golden.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @kasey_allthingsmamma or tag #allthingsmamma!

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About Kasey Schwartz

For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

Comments

  1. Autumn Kirkwood says:

    Baking now for 40 minutes and still raw…

  2. Rachael says:

    1 star
    Followed instructions and after 15 min in oven the dough was still raw!! Will look nothing like the picture, wonโ€™t make again

4.17 from 6 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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