Name: Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
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, for garnish

If you’re craving an easy snack that’s both comforting and impressive, you’ve got to try this Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe. These little golden swirls are packed with savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and just the right tang from Dijon — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

This image shows a close-up of a stack of two folded layered rolls of a light golden yellow flaky dough with black poppy seeds sprinkled on top. Inside the roll layers, there is thin pale pink ham with slightly browned edges and creamy melted yellow cheese that looks soft and stretchy. Small bright green chopped herbs are scattered across the rolls and the white plate they rest on. In the blurred background, there is a glass container with more rolls visible on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

When I first made these pinwheels, I couldn’t believe how simple they were—and yet they tasted like I’d spent hours fussing over them. Whether for a party appetizer or a quick snack, they’re always a hit!

Super quick prep: Ready in just 10 minutes with minimal fuss, perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
Deliciously flaky: Crescent roll dough gives that irresistible buttery, flaky texture everybody loves.
Savory and tangy combo: Ham, Swiss cheese, and Dijon mustard bring a perfect balance of flavors.
Fun and visually appealing: Their spiral shape makes them perfect finger food for parties or snacks.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for these ingredients is a breeze, and you can often find everything right in your local grocery store. I recommend picking the best-quality deli ham and Swiss cheese you can find since they’re the stars of the filling.

Flat lay of a smooth, unrolled sheet of pale beige crescent roll dough, a stack of thinly sliced pink deli ham, neatly arranged slices of pale yellow Swiss cheese with holes, a small white bowl filled with bright yellow Dijon mustard, a small white bowl containing melted golden butter, a small white bowl of fine white garlic powder, a small white bowl of tiny black poppy seeds, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Crescent roll dough: This flaky, buttery dough is the foundation, making the pinwheels irresistibly tender.
Deli sliced ham: Adds savory, meaty richness that pairs perfectly with cheese.
Dijon mustard: Gives a tangy kick that cuts through the richness and wakes up the flavors.
Sliced Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and delivers a mild, nutty taste that complements the ham.
Butter: Melting into the dough tops, it creates a golden, buttery glaze that enhances every bite.
Garlic powder: Mixed with butter, it gives that subtle savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Poppy seeds: For a fun pop of texture and a bit of visual flair on top.
Chopped parsley: Used as a fresh garnish to brighten the finished dish—totally optional but recommended!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you like to tweak flavors or adjust for dietary preferences, these pinwheels are a perfect blank canvas for tasty creativity.

Swap the cheese: I love switching out the Swiss cheese with sharp cheddar or provolone for a different twist. Cheddar adds a smoky richness while provolone brings a mild creaminess.
Make it herbaceous: Adding a teaspoon of fresh thyme or rosemary to the melted butter before brushing really wakes up the flavor. Give it a try next time and enjoy that fragrant aroma.
Go lighter: For a lower-fat version, I use reduced-fat Swiss cheese and swap out half the butter for a light olive oil. It still bakes up golden and tasty without the extra richness.
Perfect for parties: These pinwheels work beautifully as appetizers because they’re bite-sized and visually appealing. You can even make them ahead and reheat as needed—just pop them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

The image shows six baked rolls in a clear glass baking dish, arranged closely together in two rows of three. Each roll has a golden-brown dough base wrapped in a spiral shape, with light yellow melted cheese layered on top and thin slices of pink ham visible in the center spirals. The rolls are sprinkled with small black poppy seeds and fresh green chopped herbs for garnish. A woman's hand is lifting one roll with a silver fork from the top right corner of the dish. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

First things first, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, lightly grease an 8-x-8-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure your pinwheels don’t stick. This little prep step makes cleanup a breeze and keeps those golden bites intact.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough and Add Fillings

On a lightly floured surface, unroll your crescent roll dough. You'll notice perforations—gently pinch these together to create solid rectangles so nothing spills out later. Spread about 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard evenly over each rectangle. The mustard adds a lovely tang that cuts through the richness of the ham and cheese.

Next, layer your deli ham evenly over the mustard, then top with slices of Swiss cheese. Don’t be shy here—make sure each bite will be full of that savory combo!

Step 3: Roll Tightly and Slice

Starting from one short side of each rectangle, carefully roll the dough up as tightly as you can without tearing it. Pinch the edges closed so the fillings stay put while baking. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 5 or 6 pinwheels about an inch thick. Arrange these cut sides up in your prepared baking pan, almost like little spirals waiting to turn golden.

Step 4: Butter It Up and Add Toppings

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and garlic powder. This buttery garlic glaze is what elevates these pinwheels to irresistible status! Brush it generously over the tops of your pinwheels. Then sprinkle poppy seeds evenly on top—adding a nutty crunch and a pretty finishing touch.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Keep an eye out for that beautiful golden-brown color on top. The pinwheels should be cooked through, with melted cheese oozing inside and a flaky, buttery crust on the outside. Your kitchen will smell amazing by the time they’re done!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle chopped parsley over the pinwheels for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve them warm for the best melty-cheese experience—perfectly paired with your favorite dipping sauce or just on their own as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Top Tip

These tips will help you make the most delicious and perfectly baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels every time. Little tricks from experience can save you time in the kitchen and elevate your snack game!

Seal the Dough Well: Pinch the perforations of the crescent roll dough tightly to prevent the filling from leaking while baking. This keeps your pinwheels neat and ensures they bake evenly.
Even Layering: Spread the Dijon mustard evenly and layer ham and cheese without overcrowding. I found that this balance helps the pinwheels hold together while giving you the perfect ratio of flavors in every bite.
Brush Generously with Butter: Don’t skimp on the garlic butter topping! Brushing it well and adding poppy seeds gives the pinwheels a beautiful golden finish and a wonderful savory note.
Slice with a Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife and a gentle sawing motion to cut the rolls. That way, your pinwheels stay perfectly round and don’t get squished or misshapen.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

The image shows nine rolled sandwiches placed closely together on a white marbled surface. Each roll consists of thin pale yellow dough tightly wrapped around layers of light pink slices and a creamy pale yellow filling inside. A woman's hand is using a blue silicone brush to apply a coating on the top right roll, adding a shiny texture. The rolls are arranged in three rows with three rolls in each row, displaying a spiral pattern of dough and filling in every piece. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley right after baking to add a bright, fresh green pop of color and a hint of herbal aroma. For an extra touch, you can add a light drizzle of honey mustard or a small dollop of spicy mustard on the side for dipping.

Side Dishes

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels pair wonderfully with light, crunchy sides like mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette or crisp vegetable sticks with ranch dip. You can also offer a bowl of fresh fruit or a warm soup for a heartier snack or light meal option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your pinwheels have cooled, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for preparing ahead of a gathering or enjoying as leftovers.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked pinwheels by placing the rolled and sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time and bake from frozen at 350°F until golden and cooked through.

Reheating

To reheat leftover pinwheels, warm them in the microwave for a quick fix or bake in a 375 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes to refresh their crispy edges and melty cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of cheese in this Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese gives a great classic flavor, you can substitute with provolone, cheddar, or even mozzarella depending on your taste preference.

How long should I bake the pinwheels?

Bake the pinwheels at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them and store in the fridge prior to baking, or freeze them unbaked for longer storage. Just adjust baking time accordingly when cooking from frozen.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover pinwheels?

For best results, reheat in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispiness, or microwave for a quick warm-up.

Final Thoughts

Making Ham and Cheese Pinwheels is such a joy—they’re quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a casual snack or you’re bringing them along to a party, these golden, buttery bites never fail to impress. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to make this recipe again and again. Happy baking!