Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Here’s my go-to recipe for baked ham and cheese pinwheels, made with soft pizza dough, layers of ham and melted cheese, and a touch of garlic butter that makes everything taste even better.

These pinwheels are what my kids ask for most on movie nights and weekend lunches. I often make a double batch because they disappear so quickly – and let’s be honest, cold pinwheels make a pretty great breakfast too!

What Kind of Ham Should I Use?

For these pinwheels, you’ll want to use thinly sliced deli ham that’s not too wet or too thick. Black Forest ham works great here, but honey ham or Virginia ham are also good choices – just make sure whatever you pick isn’t too salty since we’re adding other savory ingredients. The key is to look for ham that’s sliced thin enough to roll easily but not so thin that it falls apart when you’re assembling the pinwheels. If you’re getting it from the deli counter, ask them to slice it on setting 1 or 2, which is usually perfect for rolled recipes like this.

Options for Substitutions

These pinwheels are pretty easy to customize with what you have in your fridge:

• Pizza dough: Store-bought pizza dough can be swapped with crescent roll dough or puff pastry. If using puff pastry, make sure to thaw it completely before using.
• Swiss cheese: Not a fan of Swiss? Try provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese instead. Just make sure it’s thinly sliced so it melts properly.
• Ham: You can use any deli meat you like – turkey, roast beef, or even salami work great. Just keep the slices thin for easy rolling.
• Dijon mustard: Regular yellow mustard works fine, or try honey mustard for a sweeter taste. If you’re not into mustard, a thin layer of ranch dressing is nice too.
• Poppy seeds: These can be left out, or replaced with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for a different flavor.
• Brown sugar: Regular sugar or honey can work instead. If using honey, use about 1½ tablespoons since it’s sweeter than brown sugar.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking

The biggest challenge when making ham and cheese pinwheels is rolling the dough too tightly, which can cause the filling to squeeze out during baking and create a mess – aim for a firm but gentle roll, leaving about 1/4 inch of space between layers. Working with cold pizza dough can make it snap back and become difficult to roll out, so let it rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before starting. To prevent soggy bottoms, avoid overloading the dough with too much butter mixture, and make sure to spread it evenly across the surface. For the best results, slice your pinwheels with a sharp serrated knife using a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing straight down, which can squish your beautiful spirals into sad, flat shapes.

What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Pinwheels?

These savory pinwheels are perfect for parties, but they also make a great meal when paired with the right sides! A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the ham and cheese, while some crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries add a nice crunch to the meal. For a casual lunch spread, I like serving these pinwheels alongside some fresh fruit like grapes or apple slices, and maybe a bowl of creamy tomato soup for dipping. If you’re serving these at a party, they go great with other finger foods like veggie sticks and ranch dip or a simple cheese and cracker platter.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These tasty pinwheels stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture and keep them from getting soggy. They’re perfect for packing in lunch boxes or having ready for quick snacks!

Freeze: You can freeze these pinwheels either before or after baking. For unbaked ones, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag – they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Already baked pinwheels can be frozen in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 1 month.

Warm Up: To enjoy your pinwheels warm, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes. You can also use the microwave for 20-30 seconds, though they might not be as crispy.

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	25-30 minutes
Total Time	40-50 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2500-2700
• Protein: 100-120 g
• Fat: 150-180 g
• Carbohydrates: 200-220 g

Ingredients

For the pinwheels:

• 0.75 lb thinly sliced ham
• 8 oz thinly sliced Swiss cheese
• non-stick spray (for easy cleanup)
• 1 tube pizza dough (I like Pillsbury dough)

For the glaze:

• 8 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (smooth, not grainy)
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds

For the garnish:

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh for best color)

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Equipment

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

While the oven is heating, coat a 9″x13″ baking pan with cooking spray to prevent the rolls from sticking.

Step 2: Roll Out and Layer the Dough

On a non-stick surface, unroll the pizza dough and use a rolling pin to shape it into a large rectangle, approximately 13″x8″ in size.

Once your dough is ready, layer slices of ham across the entire surface of the dough, ensuring it is completely covered.

Follow by evenly distributing the cheese over the ham layer.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough

Start at one of the long edges and tightly roll the dough in a jelly roll style, ensuring a snug fit.

Pinch the seam to seal the roll closed.

Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough crosswise into 12 equal pieces.

Carefully arrange these pieces in the prepared baking pan with the cut sides facing up.

Step 4: Prepare and Apply the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds until well combined.

Pour this glaze evenly over the rolls, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Step 5: Bake and Finish the Rolls

Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls turn golden brown and are cooked through.

Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with parsley if desired.

Let the rolls cool slightly before serving.