Description
Learn how to make irresistible Hot Ham and Cheese Pinwheels! This easy recipe uses refrigerated crescent roll dough, deli ham, Swiss cheese, and a touch of Dijon mustard for a savory, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 slices Swiss cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Getting Ready to Bake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the pinwheels from sticking and make cleanup much easier.
2. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough: Creating the Base
- Unroll Dough: Open the can of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it onto a clean, lightly floured surface.
- Press Seams: Gently press the seams of the dough together to form a single, large rectangle. You can use your fingers or a rolling pin to help seal the perforations.
3. Add Mustard (Optional): A Touch of Tangy Flavor
- Spread Mustard: If using, spread the Dijon mustard evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Layer Ham and Cheese: Building the Savory Filling
- Layer Ham: Arrange the ham slices in an even layer over the dough, covering the entire surface (except for the border if you used mustard).
- Layer Cheese: Top the ham with the Swiss cheese slices, creating an even layer.
5. Roll Up the Dough: Forming the Pinwheel Log
- Start Rolling: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log, jelly-roll style.
- Seal Edge: Pinch the edge of the dough to seal the log closed.
6. Slice into Pinwheels: Creating Individual Portions
- Slice: Using a sharp knife or a serrated knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
- Tip: For cleaner cuts, you can chill the log in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
7. Arrange and Prepare for Baking: Adding the Finishing Touches
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side down, leaving a little space between each one.
- Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle with Poppy Seeds (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the tops of the pinwheels with poppy seeds.
8. Bake to Golden Brown: Achieving Flaky Perfection
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: The pinwheels are done when they are golden brown on top and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes before serving.
9. Serve and Enjoy: A Delicious and Easy Treat
- Serve Warm: These Hot Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are best served warm, when the cheese is gooey and the pastry is flaky.
