Description
These ham and cheese pinwheels are quick, easy, and perfect for lunchboxes. Made with crescent rolls, cream cheese, ham, and cheddar, they’re a crowd-pleaser that stays fresh and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 oz thinly sliced deli ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Soften the cream cheese. If needed, microwave for 10-15 seconds. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the Dijon mustard and garlic powder until smooth.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface. Press seams together if using perforated dough. Roll into a roughly 12×8 inch rectangle.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
- Arrange the ham slices over the cream cheese, overlapping slightly to cover the surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the ham and press down gently.
- Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Chill the log in the freezer for about 10 minutes for easier slicing.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds (about 12-16 pinwheels).
- Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between them.
- If using, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cool completely before packing for lunch.
Notes
Don’t overfill the pinwheels; use room temperature cream cheese for even spreading. Chilling the log before slicing helps maintain shape. These are best the day they are made but can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 380
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 4.5
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Protein: 7
Keywords: ham and cheese pinwheels, school lunch, easy lunch, crescent roll recipe, kid-friendly, freezer-friendly