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Easy Ham and Cheese Pinwheels for the Freezer

ham and cheese pinwheels for the freezer - featured image

Buttery, flaky pinwheels stuffed with melty cheese and savory ham that freeze beautifully. Bake straight from frozen for a quick, satisfying meal or snack any time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 ounces thinly sliced deli ham, chopped into small pieces
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter, for brushing the tops
  • 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined. Fold in chopped ham and chives (if using) with a spatula.
  2. Lightly flour your counter or a large cutting board. Open one can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto the floured surface. Press the perforated seams together gently to create one solid rectangle.
  3. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge. Starting from the long edge opposite the bare border, roll the dough up tightly. Pinch the bare edge to seal the log. Repeat with the second can of dough and remaining filling.
  4. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. After chilling, use a sharp serrated knife to slice each log into 12 even pieces, about 3/4-inch thick.
  5. Arrange the sliced pinwheels in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching. Freeze for 1-2 hours, or until frozen solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
  6. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place frozen pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning if using. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chill the logs thoroughly for clean slicing. Use a sharp serrated knife to avoid squishing the pinwheels. Bake straight from frozen—no thawing needed. Let rest 5 minutes after baking before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and cheese pinwheels, freezer snacks, easy appetizer, make-ahead, crescent roll recipe