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These creamy ham and cheese pinwheels are a quick and easy snack or lunchbox addition that requires no cooking. They come together in about ten minutes and offer a satisfying combination of savory ham, melty cheese, and a touch of sweet honey cream cheese wrapped in soft flour tortillas. Perfect for impromptu gatherings or when you need a bite that everyone will love.
I first made these pinwheels for a friend’s birthday party and they disappeared almost instantly. Now I always keep the ingredients on hand for easy snacks that please a crowd.
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas: Two large tortillas for a soft and pliable base that holds everything together well
- Cream cheese: Four ounces of softened cream cheese for a creamy spreadable layer that adds richness
- Honey: Two teaspoons mixed into the cream cheese bringing a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors
- Deli ham: Six to eight slices to provide a salty meaty protein element
- Cheddar cheese: Two to four slices for gooey richness and sharp flavor
- Optional add ins: Baby spinach or thinly sliced cucumbers for freshness and a little crunch
Instructions
- Smoothing the Cream Cheese:
- In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with two teaspoons of honey until it is smooth and creamy. This sweetened cream cheese provides a delicious base layer that ties the flavors together.
- Spreading the Base:
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous, even layer of the honey cream cheese over the whole tortilla to ensure every bite has creamy sweetness.
- Layering the Fillings:
- Place about three slices of deli ham evenly over the cream cheese layer. Then add one or two slices of cheddar cheese on top to cover most of the tortilla’s surface. If you want a bit of freshness, add some baby spinach leaves or thin slices of cucumber now.
- Rolling it Up:
- Carefully roll the tortilla tightly into a log shape to keep all the fillings inside. This will make slicing easier and prevent the pinwheels from falling apart.
- Slicing into Pinwheels:
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into oneinch thick pinwheels. Each tortilla will yield about eight to ten pinwheels that are perfect bitesized snacks.
- Chilling for Clean Slices:
- Wrap the rolled log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for fifteen to thirty minutes if you need the pinwheels to firm up for neater slices.
I love how the honey in the cream cheese adds just the right amount of sweetness to bring out the flavor of the ham and cheese. These pinwheels always remind me of casual weekend gatherings with friends when everyone is grazing and having a great time.
Storage Tips
Store the pinwheels tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for a couple of days. If you want to prepare them in advance, refrigerate the rolled logs before slicing to help maintain their shape and prevent them from drying out.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want to switch up the fillings try turkey or smoked chicken instead of ham for a different protein option. You can use any type of cheese that melts well or try flavored cream cheese like herb or garlic for extra zest. Glutenfree tortillas work well here if you want to avoid gluten.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pinwheels as a quick party appetizer alongside fresh veggies and a tangy dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or picnic baskets. Pair with crisp apple slices or a small salad for a balanced snack.
These pinwheels are perfect for quick gatherings and lunchboxes and come together in minutes. Keep them chilled before slicing for neat rounds and serve with a favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → How should I prepare the cream cheese spread?
Mix softened cream cheese with honey until smooth and creamy for a sweet, tangy spread that complements the ham and cheese layers.
- → Can I add vegetables to the pinwheels?
Yes, adding baby spinach or thin cucumber slices adds freshness and a subtle crunch without overpowering the flavors.
- → What is the best way to slice the rolled tortillas?
Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled tortillas into 1-inch pinwheels. Chilling them briefly before slicing helps maintain clean edges.
- → How long does preparation take?
The entire process takes about 10 minutes, making it a quick and convenient choice for snacks or lunch.
- → Can these pinwheels be made ahead of time?
Yes, preparing and refrigerating them in advance helps the pinwheels firm up, making slicing easier and enhancing flavor melding.
- → Are there any common allergens in these pinwheels?
They contain dairy from cream cheese and cheddar, and gluten from flour tortillas. Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies.