Introduction
Okay, these Crescent Roll Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are ridiculously good—and dangerously easy to whip up. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, bringing snacks to game day, or need a quick lunch idea the whole fam will devour, these buttery, cheesy roll-ups have you covered. We’re talking flaky crescent dough, melty Swiss cheese, savory deli ham, and a brush of garlicky butter on top. Oh, and they bake in like 15 minutes. Yeah, it’s that kind of recipe: no stress, max flavor, everyone asks for more. Let’s get rolling!
Detailed Ingredients 🧀🥐🥩
- 🥐 1 (8-ounce) tube crescent roll dough
- 🥄 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (adds the perfect little zing)
- 🥩 8 ounces thin-sliced deli ham (any variety you like!)
- 🧀 8 ounces thin-sliced Swiss cheese
- 🧈 ¼ cup (½ stick) butter, melted
- 🌿 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 🧄 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 🌱 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (for that bakery-style touch)
Direction
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray an 8×8-inch pan with nonstick spray.
- On a lightly floured surface, unroll the crescent dough and separate into 4 rectangles. Pinch the seams to seal.
- Spread each rectangle with Dijon mustard, then layer on ham and Swiss cheese.
- From the short end, roll each rectangle tightly, seal the edge, and slice into 5 to 6 pinwheels.
- Place all the pinwheels cut-side up in your greased pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, parsley, and garlic powder. Brush it over the tops of the pinwheels.
- Sprinkle with poppy seeds, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm—and watch them disappear.
My Story
So these little pinwheels came into my life when I was looking for something “fancy-ish” but still easy enough to throw together in 20 minutes flat. I made them for a Saturday brunch with friends, and by the time I poured the mimosas, the tray was wiped clean. My kids love ’em, my husband asks for them weekly, and I’ve started bringing them to potlucks because they’re a guaranteed hit. I even made them once for a road trip snack—total genius move, by the way. It’s one of those back-pocket recipes I keep for any occasion that needs a little warm, cheesy joy. And trust me, people always ask for the recipe!
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prep and assemble them a few hours early, then pop in the fridge. Bake just before serving.
Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely—cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a little kick all work great.
Do I have to use poppy seeds?
Nope! Totally optional, but they do add a nice texture and look.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley works fine—use about 1 teaspoon.
Can I freeze them?
You can! Freeze unbaked pinwheels, then thaw and bake as usual.
Suggestion
- Add a swipe of honey mustard or fig jam inside for a sweet-savory twist.
- Try it with turkey and cheddar for a different flavor combo.
- Serve with a side of warm marinara or honey mustard for dipping.
- Make it breakfast-y by adding scrambled eggs and bacon instead of ham.
- Use puff pastry for a fancier, flakier version (just adjust the bake time).
Conclusion
These Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll Pinwheels are everything I love in a recipe: fast, easy, flaky, melty, and totally crowd-pleasing. The combo of Dijon mustard, Swiss cheese, and ham wrapped in warm crescent dough is just next-level delicious. Add that buttery garlic-parsley topping, and you’ve got yourself a golden, bakery-style appetizer or snack that feels special with zero hassle. Whether you’re feeding a house full of guests or just need something fun to toss in the oven on a weeknight, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. And if you’re like me, you’ll start finding excuses to make it. Enjoy every bite—just don’t expect leftovers!
—Sarah Cooper, Gotubbe.com
