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Easy Ham and Cheese Pinwheels: The Best Flaky, Cheesy Appetizer

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These easy ham and cheese pinwheels are the perfect last-minute appetizer, made with crescent roll dough, cream cheese, cheddar, and ham. They’re flaky, cheesy, and ready in about 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz thinly sliced deli ham
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. Make the cheese filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  3. Prepare the dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean cutting board. If using perforated triangle sheets, press the seams together firmly to create one solid rectangle.
  4. Spread the filling: Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a thin border (about 1/4 inch) around the edges.
  5. Layer the ham: Arrange the slices of deli ham evenly over the cream cheese mixture, overlapping slightly to cover the entire surface.
  6. Roll it up: Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam at the end to seal it.
  7. Slice the pinwheels: Using a sharp serrated knife, trim off the very ends of the log (about 1/2 inch from each end). Then, slice the log into 8 to 10 even pieces, each about 1 inch thick.
  8. Arrange and brush: Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up, leaving about an inch of space between each one. Brush the tops with the melted butter. If using, sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning over the tops.
  9. Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed up and deeply golden brown on top.
  10. Cool slightly: Let the pinwheels cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter.

Notes

Keep the dough cold for easier handling. Don’t overfill the pinwheels. For cleaner slices, chill the log in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Use a serrated knife or dental floss for slicing. Watch the oven closely as baking times may vary.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and cheese pinwheels, easy appetizer, crescent roll appetizer, party snack, game day food

Find it online: https://larameals.com/easy-ham-and-cheese-pinwheels-the-best-flaky-cheesy-appetizer/