Name: 15-Minute Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Emergency Appetizer
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 24 pinwheel slices
Ingredients: 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 8 oz sliced deli ham; 8 oz sliced cheese (cheddar or Swiss); 2 green onions, finely chopped (optional)

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Ham and cheese pinwheels are rolled tortillas sliced into spirals that look fancy but take almost no effort. You’ll want this recipe when unexpected guests show up or you need appetizers fast.

They’re basically adult roll-ups that actually taste good. Five ingredients, zero cooking required.

Why Cream Cheese Temperature Matters for Easy Rolling

Room temperature cream cheese spreads smoothly without tearing the tortilla, while cold cream cheese creates lumps and rips. Take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before you start, or soften it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

If you’re truly in emergency mode, mash cold cream cheese with a fork until it’s spreadable. It won’t be as smooth, but it’ll work fine and nobody will notice once everything’s rolled up.

15-Minute Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Emergency Appetizer

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15-Minute Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Emergency Appetizer

Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

★★★★☆ (4.4 out of 5 stars, 78 ratings)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
8 oz sliced deli ham
8 oz sliced cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
2 green onions, finely chopped (optional)

Equipment Needed

Sharp knife
Cutting board
Small bowl
Butter knife or offset spatula

Instructions

Spread cream cheese: Spread 2 oz softened cream cheese evenly across each tortilla, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Mix in chopped green onions with the cream cheese if using.
Add ham and cheese: Layer 2 oz ham slices evenly over the cream cheese on each tortilla, followed by 2 oz cheese slices. Don’t overstuff or the tortillas won’t roll properly.
Roll tortillas: Starting from one edge, roll each tortilla tightly into a log. The cream cheese will help seal the edge. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap if not serving immediately.
Slice and serve: Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 6 pieces, about 1-inch thick. Clean the knife between cuts for neat edges. Arrange cut-side up on a serving platter.