Budget Ham and Cheese Pinwheels for Crowd Feeding
Ham and cheese pinwheels are rolled tortillas sliced into bite-sized spirals that look fancy but cost almost nothing to make. You can prep dozens in under 30 minutes using basic deli ingredients.
They’re ideal when you need to feed a crowd without breaking the budget. The make-ahead factor is huge too – they actually taste better after chilling.
Why Cream Cheese Makes All the Difference
Cream cheese isn’t just a spread here – it’s the glue that holds everything together. It prevents the tortillas from getting soggy and creates that smooth, rich layer that makes cheap deli ham taste more expensive.
Use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature so it spreads easily without tearing the tortillas. The generic store brand works just as well as name brands for this recipe.
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Getting Clean, Even Slices
Sharp knife technique makes the difference between messy, squished pinwheels and clean spirals. Chill the rolled logs for at least 2 hours – this firms up the cream cheese so everything holds its shape when sliced.
Use a sawing motion with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts. Don’t press down hard or you’ll compress the filling and make the tortillas tough.
Budget Ham and Cheese Pinwheels for Crowd Feeding
Ingredients
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Plastic wrap
- Cutting board
Instructions
- Make spread: Mix softened cream cheese and ranch packet in a large bowl until completely smooth, about 2 minutes of stirring.
- Spread base: Lay one tortilla flat and spread 1/4 of the cream cheese mixture evenly across the entire surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the far edge.
- Add fillings: Layer 1/4 of the ham slices over the cream cheese, then add 1/4 of the cheese slices and sprinkle with 1/4 of the chopped green onions.
- Roll tortilla: Starting from the edge closest to you, roll the tortilla tightly, pressing gently as you go. The cream cheese border will help seal the edge.
- Chill logs: Repeat with remaining 3 tortillas. Wrap each log individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Slice pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, trim 1/2 inch from each end of the logs, then slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds. The pinwheels should hold their shape with clean spiral patterns and no filling leaking out.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (4 pieces)
