These easy Ham and Cheese Pinwheels take just five minutes and three ingredients to make and are perfect for snacks and lunch boxes.
I grew up eating a version of these that my mom folded into a genuine-looking pinwheels (I shared the how-to over on Mom to Mom Nutrition). I also shared how to make them on Instagram Stories one day and didn’t think much of it.
Until my friend Robin (of Robin’s Bite) made them, raved, and shared them on Instagram too. “Hands down, this is my family’s favorite snack,” she messaged me. “And it’s my most commented-on Instagram Story ever!”
So I figured I was practically obligated to share them here, in case they’re a hit with your family too.
My kids love these hot for weekend lunches and cold in lunch boxes. Trouble is, the pretty pinwheel shape I was making didn’t fit in their bento boxes.
So I tried a new tactic and now they work beautifully in their EasyLunchboxes, Bentgo Fresh box, and PlanetBox (that’s the one pictured above). And they’re just as simple and quick to make.
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How to make Ham and Cheese Pinwheels:
Open the package of crescent roll dough. I like the Annie’s brand which, unlike some others, doesn’t contain hydrogenated oils or synthetic colors.
Place the rectangles together to form one big rectangle and press the perforated edges together to seal. Layer on the ham and cheese and roll up, starting at one of the short ends.
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Using a serrated knife, carefully cut into slices. I cut mine into eight pieces.
Lay on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. They will spread a little bit while baking, so space them apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes at 375 degrees F until golden brown and melty.
Remove to a cooling rack and serve warm. Or cool and refrigerate in an airtight container. Use within 3-4 days. (But good luck keeping them around that long!)
Other riffs you can try:
- Pepperoni & provolone
- Turkey & cheddar
- Pesto & chicken
- Thinly-sliced mushrooms and Swiss
Easy Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
These easy Ham and Cheese Pinwheels take just five minutes to prep and are perfect for snacks and lunch boxes.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls, I like Annie's brand.
- 8 slices deli ham, May need more or less, depending on size of slices.
- 8 slices swiss cheese, May need more or less, depending on size of slices.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Open package of crescent rolls and unroll onto a baking sheet or cutting board, placing the four rectangle pieces together to form one big rectangle. Pinch the perforated edges closed to seal.
- Layer on slices of ham to cover entire surface area. Cover ham slices with cheese.
- Starting at short end, roll tightly, jellyroll fashion. Slice carefully with a serrated knife into 8 even slices.
- Place slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone baking mat. They will spread while baking, so space them with some room between. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and melty.
- Remove to a cooling rack and serve while warm or refrigerate after cool in an airtight container. Use within 3-4 days.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1 pinwheelAmount Per Serving: Calories: 211Saturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 482mgCarbohydrates: 16gSugar: 4gProtein: 11g
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Hi! I'm Sally, a dietitian-mom.
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Hannah says
I love this idea! I’m always looking for new ideas for my son’s lunches. I also use the PlanetBox lunchbox. I’ll keep an eye out for Annies crescents. I love their products. Thanks for the post.
Sally says
Thanks Hannah! Hope you try them and like them.
Rachel says
Just what I needed to get out of the pb&j blues. Made them tonight for lunches- my girls are so excited to eat these. Thank you!
Sally says
Hooray! Hope they love em.
Ruthie says
I so enjoy your blog. I am taking the Ham and Cheese Pinwheels to my grandsons tomorrow. I’ll let you know what they think!
Sally says
Thank you Ruthie! Hope they love them!
Kerry says
These were a HUGE hit with my daughter and my husband today! I have run out of ideas for lunchboxes, but now that this is “approved” I have another option. I couldn’t find the Annie’s crescents but I’ll keep an eye out for them. Super fast and easy to make.
Suzanne B says
I made a double batch of these last week– one ham and swiss and one turkey and cheddar. All three school age kids loved them, including the non-sandwich eater! It’s pretty much unheard of for them to have a unanimous consensus on food.
Sally says
That is great to hear!!
Etta says
Thank you for this yummy lunch idea! I made a batch this morning before school. My seven year old ate a pinwheel and gave a big He said he can’t wait until lunchtime at school. At pick-up he asked if he could have another for after school snack. My son asked where I got the idea and I showed him your blog, he said you’re the coolest!
Sally says
Ha! Glad he liked them and thanks for the compliment. 😉
Catherine says
Can you buy the Annie’s dough in Canada? I haven’t seen it, but also never looked for it cuz I didn’t know it existed!
Sally says
Hi Catherine–I’m not sure. You can use their store locator to find out: https://www.annies.com/store-locator
Or you can use any kind of crescent roll dough instead. Thanks!
Amy says
Finally made these! My very quiet 17 year old walks by as they are cooling and pops one in his mouth says “these things are really good” most he’s said all day 🙂 the picky 13 year old is dipping them in salsa. Thanks Sally!
Sally says
That’s great to hear, Amy!
Mary says
Could these be made ahead of time and frozen?
Sally says
That’s a great question Mary. I haven’t tried it yet but I will. I don’t see why you couldn’t freeze and defrost them, then pop into the toaster oven or regular oven to crisp up.
Vanessa P. says
Incredibly simple to make and so tasty! I paired these with some tomato soup and it was a hit!
Sue D says
These are the reason I always have crescent rolls in my fridge! We LOVE these!
Maureen says
Would the pinwheel recipe work using pizza dough?
Sally says
I would think so but haven’t tried that.
Stefani Crumey says
I just found this recipe today and I had all of the ingredients in the house. My son loved them! I loved them. We needed something fun for the first lunch of the 2021 school year. I can’t wait to play around with different variations!
Sally says
Stefani–so glad you enjoyed them!