Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
This may be the easiest appetizer recipe out there. And bonus? The results are EXTRA delicious. With only 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have the tastiest finger food whipped up in a flash. But fair warning…they will be gone just as fast, if not faster. Pinwheels are a snack loved by all ages!
Ham Roll Ups
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels have become one of those things that is requested for every party, holiday, family get-together, and “just because” occasion that you can think of. Why? Maybe it has to do with them being small, delicious bites of creamy savory goodness. They are just right there at your fingertips and satisfy so many snack cravings all in one place! But the best part? They are ready in a flash and can be made ahead of time, so it’s a win-win for all parties involved. These may just be the perfect appetizer EVER!
Why You’ll Love
- Easy to make: so easy and quick to make.
- Fan favorite: Talk about a crowd pleaser! Pinwheels are loved by all ages and are ideal for any gathering. You won’t believe how fast these pinwheels will be gobbled up.
- Serves a crowd: The recipe is super easy to double (or triple) to serve whatever size of crowd you’ll have.
- Make ahead: Easy to prep ahead of time for your gatherings. These also are great to keep in the fridge for the perfect after-school snack.
Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Full ingredient amounts found in the recipe card below.
- Salsa: Use your favorite brand or take it up a notch with homemade salsa (this one is GREAT for canning). No-sugar added salsa is ideal.
- Cream Cheese: Use regular/full fat cream cheese for easy spreading.
- Flour Tortillas: Whole wheat flour tortillas take these tasty morsels to a whole new level of yum.
- Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded Pepper Jack is the way to go!
- Garlic Powder
- Green Onion: Not only do green onions give this recipe great flavor, but they are also rich in Vitamin C and a good source of Vitamin K.
- Olives: These little guys pack an antioxidant punch and are a great source of healthy fats! If you’re pressed for time, you can get them pre-sliced/diced.
- Deli Ham: You can use sliced deli ham of any kind, but if you get it directly from the deli counter, you can ask them to slice it nice and thin for you! Look for ham with no preservatives, dyes, or additives.
How to Make Ham Pinwheels
Full recipe instructions in recipe card below!
- In a bowl mixer, mix together the softened cream cheese with the salsa.
- Once combined, add in the shredded cheese, garlic powder, green onions, and olives. Mix just until combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture onto a tortilla and top with a slice of ham.
- Tightly roll tortilla, then chill for 20 minutes.
- Slice roll into pinwheels and serve!
Make Ahead Instructions
If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, tightly wrap the wrapped tortillas in plastic wrap. Store in the fridge until ready to serve, then unroll the plastic wrap, slice, and serve!
Variations/Substitutions
- Swap out the ham for thinly sliced deli turkey or chicken for an equally tasty pinwheel!
- While we love the tiny hint of heat that the Pepper Jack cheese gives this dish, you can definitely use any variety of shredded cheese.
H2: Recipe Tips
Be sure to use a well sharpened knife to slice the pinwheels. Rinse and dry the knife off every few slices to keep the blade clean to ensure clean cuts!
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
- Finger foods unite! Complete your spread with other tasty appetizers like Veggie Chips, Jalapeno Poppers, or Stuffed Mushrooms.
- After school snack: Batch make these pinwheels (and Ants on a Log!) to have on hand for a protein-packed post-school snack.
- Lunch: These are also great in lunches! Slice and put in an airtight container or wrap the tightly rolled tortilla in plastic wrap before slicing.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container or tightly covered in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
Freezing is not recommended.
FAQs For Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Absolutely! In fact, we recommend it! It makes this no fuss recipe even LESS fussy!
Once prepared, begin at the edge of the tortilla closest to you. Tightly fold over the edge on top of the ham. While holding the fold and applying gentle pressure, begin rolling in the same direction as you folded. Try to make the rolls as tightly as you can to prevent the pinwheels from falling apart when sliced.
If not being served immediately, cover with plastic wrap or keep in an air tight container to prevent the tortilla from getting dry.
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 1 flour tortillas
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup salsa*
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 stalks green onions chopped
- 1 can chopped olives
- Ham deli slices
Instructions
- In a mixer cream together the cream cheese and salsa.
- Add in cheese, garlic powder, green onions and olives. Mix thoroughly.
- Spread several table spoons of cream cheese mixture onto a low carb tortilla or lavish wrap.
- Put a layer of ham over the cream cheese then roll up tightly.
- Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
- Cut up into bite sized pinwheels and enjoy!
Notes
*You can use deli sliced ham of any kind, but if you get it from an actual deli you can ask them to slice it nice and thin for you.
