Delicious Ham Rolls

I always whip up these tasty ham and cheese pinwheels when friends come over. Flaky pizza dough wraps around thin ham slices and gooey Swiss for a bite that's always a hit. They vanish so fast, I sometimes can't even grab one for myself!

The first time I made these, I needed something filling and quick for a spur-of-the-moment game night. My pals polished them off way before halftime and begged for more. So I had to run and make a second round!

Irresistible Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Grabs that crispy, flaky bite you want. Buy some at the store or make your own if you're feeling DIY.
• Swiss cheese: Melts just perfectly with ham. Go for thin slices—they spread the cheesy goodness evenly.
• Butter: You’ll melt this for the tangy topping. Use unsalted so you can pick how salty you want things.
• Dijon mustard: Pops with a little sharpness that cuts through the richness. French brands are tops if you see them.
• Worcestershire sauce: Packs in lots of rich flavor with just a splash.
• Poppy seeds: Totally optional, but a nice crunch and look if you toss them on.
• Minced onions: Toss them in the sauce if you’d like a little extra savoriness.
• Ham slices, thin: Pick out deli ham and ask for it really thin. I love honey or black forest!

Easy Step-by-Step

Rest and serve:

Take the pan out and let the pinwheels sit for five minutes. This keeps the cheese from spilling out and makes it easier to transfer them to a plate. Tastes best warm, so dig in soon!

Finish baking:

Brush the hot pinwheels with all that buttery sauce. Pop them back in until the tops are golden and everything’s cooked through, about ten more minutes.

First bake:

Spread the slices out in your baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each for rising. Bake for about 15 minutes so they puff up but aren't done yet.

Prepare the sauce:

Mix up melted butter with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, minced onions, and a sprinkle of poppy seeds if using. Whisk until smooth and fragrant.

Create and slice the roll:

Start rolling from the short end so you get a nice tight log—work slowly, using your fingers to keep it together. Chop in half, then halve those, then cut each chunk into three for 12 pinwheels.

Layer ham and cheese:

Spread out the ham so every inch of dough gets some. Add cheese on top, making sure both are evenly spread for every bite.

Roll out the dough:

Open out pizza dough onto your countertop. Gently shape it into a big, even rectangle, patching up thin bits so it won't rip later.

Prep the pan:

Set your oven to 350°F. Grease the baking dish with butter or line with parchment for super easy cleanup.

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The secret hero for me? That buttery Dijon sauce brushed onto the tops. It just boosts everything with big flavor. My nephew once called them "fancy pizza rolls" and now they're his must-have at family get-togethers.

Make-Ahead Tips

Want to prep early? Roll these up a day ahead and stash in the fridge, covered tight in the pan. When you're ready, just bake—cold dough slices easier too! Toss in the oven straight from the fridge, but give it an extra five minutes for everything to cook through.

Fun Twists

Ham and Swiss is just the start. Try turkey with provolone for a gentler taste, or switch in pepperoni and mozzarella for pizza vibes. A veggie combo like spinach and feta or red pepper and goat cheese is awesome too. Want some kick? Use a pinch of chili flakes, or add honey to the sauce for a sweet note.

How to Serve

Pinwheels play well on a snack board—set them next to veggies and a dip for parties. For a meal, pair with salad and a zippy vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Great cold in lunchboxes too! For a fancy look, put them on a wooden board with herbs tossed around and extra sauce on the side for dipping.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can crescent dough replace pizza dough here?

Absolutely! Crescent dough creates a lighter, softer result if that's what you'd like.

→ What’s the best cheese for these rolls?

Swiss is the go-to here, but feel free to switch it up with cheddar or provolone if you prefer!

→ Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Definitely! Prep them the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

→ How do I stop the rolls from coming undone in the oven?

Keep your dough rolled tightly and arrange the pieces close together in the dish to help them hold their shape.

→ Can I skip the poppy seeds?

Sure, the poppy seeds are optional and leaving them out won’t change the flavor of the sauce much.