Ham & Cheese Pinwheels

Ham and cheese pinwheels are a no-bake party snack. Cream cheese seasoned with garlic powder and onion powder is spread over a flour tortilla, layered with deli ham and sliced cheddar, rolled into a log, chilled, and cut into 1-inch rounds. Nothing is cooked, and the recipe makes 8 servings with 15 minutes of hands-on time and at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

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The filling is made of a few ingredients, so the rolls are quick to put together, and they can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge. They work on a party platter or as a quick snack during the week. For another party snack, there are the crispy salami bites on the site, and the Philly cheesesteak bell peppers are another savory dish.

What Goes Inside

The recipe card has the full list. These are the ingredients that matter most.

• Flour tortillas (2 large): they are the base that holds the filling. Low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps can replace them.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): it binds the filling and adds richness. Let it reach room temperature so it spreads easily. It should be spreadable and creamy, almost like frosting.
• Deli ham (8 ounces, sliced): a good-quality ham makes a difference. Turkey or roast beef can take its place.
• Cheddar (8 ounces, sliced): sharp and savory. Swiss or pepper jack give a different flavor.
• Garlic powder and onion powder (1 teaspoon each): they season the cream cheese.
• Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): it adds color, and you can skip it if you are short on time.
• Salt and pepper: added to taste, to balance the other flavors.

Rolling and Chilling

Mix the cream cheese with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and parsley in a medium bowl until smooth. Lay a tortilla flat and spread half the mixture over it, leaving a small border around the edges so the filling stays put when you roll. Layer half the ham and half the cheddar on top.

Starting from one end, roll the tortilla tightly into a log, then repeat with the second tortilla and the remaining filling. Wrap both rolls in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The chilling time firms them up so they slice cleanly. Unwrap, cut each roll into 1-inch pinwheels and arrange them on a platter.

Tips for Clean Slices

• Chill them properly. Chilling firms the rolls up for easier slicing and lets the flavors come together.
• Use a sharp knife. A serrated knife also works well for cutting clean rounds, and a sturdy cutting board gives you a safe surface.
• Choose good deli meat and cheese. There are only a few ingredients, so their quality shows.
• Make them ahead. The pinwheels can be made a day in advance. Keep them in the fridge, wrapped tightly.
• Adjust the seasoning. Smoked paprika or Italian seasoning can go into the cream cheese for a different taste.
• Plan for guests. Gluten-free tortillas or a vegetarian version with roasted vegetables suit guests with dietary restrictions.
• Garnish the platter. Fresh herbs on a colorful platter make a neat display.

Pinwheel Variations

• Spicy jalapeño: add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
• Roasted vegetable: replace the ham with roasted bell peppers, zucchini and spinach.
• Turkey and Swiss: use sliced turkey and Swiss cheese in place of the ham and cheddar.
• Herbed cream cheese: mix dill, chives or basil into the cream cheese.
• BBQ chicken: use shredded cooked chicken mixed with a sugar-free BBQ sauce in place of the ham. It is a way to use up leftover chicken.
• Caprese: replace the ham with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, and drizzle balsamic glaze over the pinwheels before serving.

What to Serve With Them

• Cauliflower salad: cauliflower, cherry tomatoes and a tangy vinaigrette add crunch.
• Stuffed avocados: halved avocados filled with tuna or chicken salad .
• Olive tapenade: olives, capers and herbs, for dipping.
• Cheese platter: gouda, brie and blue cheese. The keto herbed cheese balls fit here too.
• Pickle chips: dill pickle chips give a tangy contrast to the ham and cheese.
• Drinks: sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime, or a dry wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir.

For a full meal instead of a snack, look at the slow cooker butter chicken , the beef stroganoff with cauliflower rice, the meal prep bowls or the Korean BBQ steak bowls with spicy cream sauce.

Time and Nutrition

Prep takes 15 minutes and there is no cooking. With the 30 minutes in the fridge, the total is 45 minutes. The card lists 8 servings, with one pinwheel as a serving.

One pinwheel has about 150 calories, 12 grams of fat (6 grams saturated), 3 grams of carbohydrates, no fiber, 1 gram of sugar, 8 grams of protein and 400 milligrams of sodium. These are estimates.

FAQ

Can puff pastry replace the tortillas?

Yes. Puff pastry gives the pinwheels a flaky texture. Roll out the pastry, fill it, and bake until golden brown.

How can the carbs be reduced?

Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of flour tortillas. That cuts the carb count and keeps the flavor.

What can replace the cream cheese?

Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, blended until smooth, gives a lighter creamy base.

How long do leftovers keep?

Up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep them wrapped.

Can they be made ahead?

Yes. Prepare them a day in advance, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.

For a seafood dinner, the site also has garlic butter scallops, and for a lighter dish there is chicken piccata with zoodles.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us