Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels (2024)

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are an easy dinner or lunch idea for busy nights! Flaky crescent dough layered with ham slices and cheese, then baked results in melt in your mouth cheesy deliciousness. Make this quick and easy dinner recipe that requires only pantry staples tonight.

Life is crazy busy between kids, activities, and work! So, when I know I need an easy five ingredient dinner recipe that’s ready in a snap I make these yummy Ham and Cheese Pinwheels.

They’re a hit with my family and super easy to make in a big batch if I know I’ll need a quick meal later in the week. They like these ham and cheese rollups too!

To round out this easy dinner recipe I serve it with roasted vegetable and even whip up this easy Cherry Crumble dessert or pancake bites for an extra treat!

There’s nothing like biting into those flaky baked pinwheels loaded with gooey cheese and garlic butter!

Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

• With just five ingredients, these baked ham and cheese rollups are just as simple as a sandwich, but way more tasty!
• Great to make ahead! These ham and cheese pinwheels serve well hot or cold. Make a big batch ahead of time, and you can eat off of them for a while!
• These are perfect for your kids’ lunches! Your kids will love the ham and cheese in these pinwheels and the buttery crescent roll, and since you can serve these cold, they’re a perfect on-the-go lunchbox addition!

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

• Crescent Roll Dough Sheet – This is what makes these baked ham and cheese rollups so buttery and delicious. Pillsbury crescent roll dough is my personal favorite to use, but any crescent roll dough will work.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – You can use any cheese for these roll ups, but ham and cheddar is my favorite. It’s a match made in heaven!

• Garlic Powder – You don’t have to use this ingredient, but it really takes these tasty ham and cheese rollups to another level.

• Butter – This adds an extra savory element to this easy ham and cheese pinwheel recipe…the key to making seem like you made everything by hand!
• Ham Slices – And the star of the show, the ham in these baked ham and cheese rollups! If your ham is super watery, dry it off with a paper towel to prevent your pinwheel from being soggy.

Can I use a can of crescent rolls?

If your grocery store doesn’t have the crescent dough sheet you can still make these with the regular can of crescent rolls. Make sure you don’t tear them apart first, leave the sheet whole.

How to make Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

1. Roll out the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface.
2. Layer the ham slices on top of the dough, making sure not to leave any open spaces.
3. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the ham layer, again leaving no open spaces.
4. Starting at one side, roll the dough up until it forms one giant roll. With a sharp knife, slice it into 12 pieces.
5. Place each roll onto a parchment covered sheet pan and use a basting brush to spread butter atop each roll.
6. Place in the oven and bake until golden brown.

Side Dish Ideas!

• Pair with a veggie dish like Broccoli Salad or Roasted Cauliflower
• Or pair the savory ham and cheese pinwheels with a sweet fruit salad, like this one!

Storage Tips for Ham and Cheese Roll Ups

You can store baked ham and cheese pinwheels in both the fridge and the freezer. Whether you choose to reheat or serve cold, ham and cheese pinwheels are great either way!

IN THE FRIDGE: Store these baked ham and cheese rollups in an airtight container in the refrigerator and they’ll be good for 4-5 days.

IN THE FREEZER: To freeze the ham and cheese pinwheels, let them cool completely after they have been baked. In an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for about a month.

Can this be made with slices of cheddar cheese instead of shredded cheddar?

You can use the slices of cheddar cheese, but it might be a little more difficult to roll up into a tight pinwheel. You will need about 12 slices of cheddar cheese.

What’s the point of brushing these with garlic and butter?

This is my secret trick to making these pinwheels absolutely delicious. It adds so much flavor that it almost has that garlic cheddar scone flavor without going through all the work of making scones.

Are these good eaten cold?

Yes, they are great even when they’re cold. I love to send these as a school lunch for my kids.

This super simple recipe will be a family favorite that is perfect for a quick meal! Grab that crescent roll dough and give these a whirl!

More Ham and Cheese Recipes You’ll Love

• These really easy Crock-Pot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches are super cheesy and guaranteed to be a favorite.
• Need a quick breakfast recipe? Try these
• Step up pasta night with this Ham and Cheese Tortellini.
• This versatile Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe will be a go to for any party, holiday, or quick dinner!