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These Hot Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are my ultimate crowd-pleaser when company drops by. Everyone gobbles up these savory treats with their flaky outside and gooey cheese inside. They never last long at gatherings or sports watch parties, and the amazing smell that fills my home while they bake is just a bonus.
What Makes These So Addictive
I can't stop making these pinwheels for get-togethers because they're incredibly easy but always wow my guests. Nothing fancy about the ingredients, but together they create something truly special. Watching friends tear into that crispy, buttery shell with warm melted cheese inside is always a treat. And I love that I can swap in whatever meats and cheeses I've got on hand.
Your Shopping List
- Puff Pastry or Crescent Dough: This gives you that wonderful flaky exterior everyone loves.
- Thinly Sliced Ham: Ask for about 1/2 pound at your local deli counter.
- Cheese: You'll need 1 cup grated - I usually go for cheddar but grab Swiss or mozzarella if you prefer.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a thin layer adds wonderful zip, but you can leave it out if you want.
- Butter: A quick brush helps create that mouthwatering golden crust.
- Italian Herbs: A light dusting brings everything together beautifully.
- Garlic Powder: Don't skip this - it really pumps up the flavor profile.
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Simple Assembly Steps
- Prep Your Space
- Set your oven to 375°F and put parchment on a baking tray. Unroll your dough and gently push any seams together so it's nice and flat.
- Add Your Fillings
- Smear some Dijon across the surface if you want that tangy kick. Arrange ham pieces evenly, then scatter cheese all over for maximum meltiness.
- Shape Your Pinwheels
- Starting from the shorter edge, roll everything up tightly. Use a sharp knife to cut into 1-inch rounds.
- Cook To Golden Perfection
- Place them on your tray with some space between each one, brush with melted butter and sprinkle your seasonings on top. Bake for 12-15 minutes until they're puffy and golden.
Handy Tricks
- Chill For Clean Cuts: If your dough starts getting sticky, stick it in the fridge for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Mix Things Up: Try adding baby spinach leaves or some sweet onions. Swap ham for turkey or pepperoni for variety.
- Serve Them Hot: These taste way better straight from the oven when the cheese is still stretchy and gooey.
Perfect Pairings
We always have some dips nearby - honey mustard, ranch, or tomato sauce work great. Add a green salad and you've got a complete meal. For fancy parties, I'll put them on my best serving dish with sprigs of parsley and sliced bell peppers around the edges for color.
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Time-Saving Strategies
- Do The Work Early: You can put everything together up to 24 hours before your event, wrap them well and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
- Store What's Left: Any extras will keep in a sealed container for 3 days. Just warm them at 350°F for a couple minutes.
- Make Extra For Later: Uncooked pinwheels freeze great for up to a month. Just cook them a bit longer when baking from frozen.
Quick Answers
- Different Dough Options? Absolutely! Regular pizza dough works for a chewier texture, while puff pastry creates an extra crispy version.
- What Else Can I Add? Try sliced turkey, spicy pepperoni, or some roasted veggies. Experiment with gouda or provolone for different cheese flavors.
- Can I Prepare Them Early? For sure! Roll and store them up to a day ahead or freeze unbaked pinwheels for busy days.
- How To Keep Shape? Roll them really firmly and pop in the fridge before cutting - they'll stay prettier during baking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yep, you can prep the rolls a few hours early and keep them in the fridge. Bake them fresh when you're ready to serve for that perfect texture.
- → What other cheeses work well?
Most cheese slices will work great! Try cheddar for bold flavor, mozzarella for stretchiness, or pepper jack if you like a spicy kick.
- → How do I stop the dough from tearing?
Leave the dough out for a bit to warm up before unrolling. Press any seams together to make it a nice even sheet.
- → What's the best way to reheat them?
Reheat at 350°F in the oven for around 5 minutes. This keeps the rolls crispy and the cheese melty without getting tough.
- → Can I freeze these rolls?
Sure! Shape the rolls and freeze them on a sheet pan first. After they're frozen solid, store them in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen with a few extra minutes added.