These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are a perfect appetizer, snack, or even a quick dinner! With flaky crescent dough, savory Black Forest ham, Swiss cheese, and a buttery Dijon sauce, this dish is sure to impress at any gathering or meal time. It’s quick, easy, and full of delicious flavors that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
- 1 tube crescent dough sheet (not the pre-cut triangles, the full sheet works best)
- 20 – 22 slices Black Forest Ham (thinly sliced)
- 12 slices Swiss cheese (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare your baking dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray, or grease it with butter to prevent the pinwheels from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Dough
- Open the crescent dough sheet: Unroll the dough so that the longest side is at the bottom (making a rectangle). Pinch the seams together to make one solid piece of dough.
- Press out the dough: Lightly press on the dough to make it a bit thinner, aiming for a size of about 10 x 13 inches.
Step 3: Add the Ham and Cheese
- Layer the Swiss cheese: Lay 6 slices of Swiss cheese onto the dough, leaving about a 1/4-inch margin at the edges.
- Add the ham: Lay 20 – 22 slices of Black Forest Ham over the cheese. You can fold the slices over if needed to fit.
- Add the remaining cheese: Place the remaining 6 slices of Swiss cheese on top of the ham to create a cheesy, savory layer.
Step 4: Roll the Pinwheels
- Roll the dough: Starting from the longest side of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly, enclosing all of the fillings. Be sure to pinch the seams closed to keep everything inside.
- Cut into pinwheels: Carefully slice the rolled dough into 18 pieces. Use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts.
Step 5: Arrange and Prepare the Butter Sauce
- Arrange the pinwheels: Place the individual pinwheels in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced. If any seams have opened during cutting, pinch them closed gently.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour the sauce: Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the pinwheels. Make sure all the rolls are coated.
Step 6: Bake the Pinwheels
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Cool slightly: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the pinwheels to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the dish. This will make them easier to handle.
- Serve: Serve the pinwheels warm as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun dinner!
Benefits of Ham and Cheese Pinwheels:
- Quick & Easy: These pinwheels are simple to make with minimal prep and cook time, making them perfect for busy days.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the fillings with other meats, cheeses, or even add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With their savory flavors and crispy texture, they’re perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings.
- Comfort Food: The buttery sauce combined with cheese and ham creates a comforting and delicious flavor combination.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
- A: Absolutely! You can substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar, provolone, or even mozzarella for a different twist on the flavor.
Q: Can I use a different type of ham?
- A: Yes, you can use any type of ham, such as honey ham or smoked ham. Just make sure it is thinly sliced for easy rolling.
Q: Can I prepare these in advance?
- A: Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels ahead of time. Assemble them and refrigerate them in the baking dish for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake them right before serving!
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
- A: Definitely! You can omit the ham and use a combination of veggies and cheese, like spinach, mushrooms, and onions for a vegetarian version.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
- A: Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to get them crispy again.
Q: Can I freeze these?
- A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked pinwheels. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook, bake from frozen at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are the perfect combination of crispy, savory, and cheesy goodness, making them a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer or a quick family meal, they’ll surely be a hit!