chicken ham and Cheese Pinwheels

These chicken ham and cheese pinwheels are a delightful treat that combines savory flavors with a flaky crust. Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner, these pinwheels are easy to make and sure to impress your guests. The combination of tender chicken ham and creamy Swiss cheese enveloped in warm dough makes them irresistible. Get ready to enjoy these hot bites that are not only delicious but also quick to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these pinwheels in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of chicken ham and Swiss cheese creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Appetizer: Ideal for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to formal parties.
• Make Ahead Option: Prep them in advance and bake right before serving for maximum freshness.
• Appealing Presentation: These golden-brown pinwheels look as good as they taste, making them perfect for parties.

Tools and Preparation

To make your chicken ham and cheese pinwheels, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Whisk
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling Pin: This tool helps you evenly roll out the pizza dough, ensuring your pinwheels cook uniformly.
• Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch pan is perfect for holding all the pinwheels together while they bake.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing the buttery sauce that enhances the flavor of your pinwheels.

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Ingredients

These hot chicken ham and cheese pinwheels are rolls loaded with plenty of meat and Swiss cheese, then topped with a butter poppy seed sauce and baked to golden brown perfection. Perfect party appetizer ready in just 35 minutes!

For the Pinwheels

• 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
• 3/4 lb chicken ham (very thinly sliced)
• 8 ounces Swiss cheese (very thinly sliced)

For the Topping

• 8 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped, optional)

How to Make chicken ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Unroll the pizza dough onto a clean, non-stick surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, roughly 13×8 inches.

Step 3: Layer Chicken Ham and Cheese

Layer the chicken ham evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Next, layer the Swiss cheese over the chicken ham in the same manner.

Step 4: Roll Up the Dough

Starting at one of the long ends, tightly roll up the dough jelly-roll style. Pinch the seam to seal.

Step 5: Cut into Pieces

Cut the roll crosswise into 12 equal pieces and arrange cut-side up in the prepared pan.

Step 6: Prepare Sauce Mixture

Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. Pour evenly over the pinwheels.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, then serve immediately.

How to Serve chicken ham and Cheese Pinwheels

These chicken ham and cheese pinwheels make a delightful appetizer or snack for any gathering. Their warm, cheesy goodness pairs well with various dips and sides, enhancing your serving experience.

With Dipping Sauces

• Mustard Dip – A tangy mustard dip complements the flavors of the pinwheels beautifully.
• Ranch Dressing – Creamy ranch dressing adds a rich taste that balances out the savory elements of the dish.
• Honey Mustard Sauce – Sweet and tangy, honey mustard offers a delicious contrast to the saltiness of the chicken ham.

On a Platter

• Charcuterie Board – Arrange pinwheels alongside cheeses, fruits, and nuts for an impressive presentation.
• Mini Sandwiches – Pair them with mini sandwiches for a varied spread that guests will love.

As Party Food

• Game Day Snacks – Serve these pinwheels during sports events for hearty finger food that everyone can enjoy.
• Buffet Style – Set them out on a buffet table with other appetizers for easy snacking at parties.

How to Perfect chicken ham and Cheese Pinwheels

To ensure your chicken ham and cheese pinwheels turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Freshly sliced chicken ham and cheese enhance flavor and texture significantly.
• Roll Tightly – Make sure to roll the dough tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
• Even Baking – Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning on all sides.
• Adjust Butter Mixture – Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on your preferred sweetness level.
• Add Herbs – Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil for an extra layer of flavor in your pinwheels.

Best Side Dishes for chicken ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Serving side dishes with your chicken ham and cheese pinwheels can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.

1. Garden Salad – A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes offers a refreshing contrast.
2. Vegetable Platter – Crunchy veggies such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers make a great accompaniment with dip.
3. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide heartiness alongside the pinwheels.
4. Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and balance to rich flavors of the pinwheels.
5. Fruit Skewers – Colorful fruit skewers offer a sweet touch that complements savory snacks well.
6. Cheesy Garlic Bread – Slices of cheesy garlic bread create a comforting option that pairs nicely with this dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your chicken ham and cheese pinwheels turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Ignoring dough thickness: If the pizza dough is too thick, the pinwheels may not cook evenly. Roll the dough into a thin, even rectangle for best results.
• Overfilling the pinwheels: Adding too much chicken ham or cheese can cause filling to spill out during baking. Stick to a single layer of each for a neat roll.
• Not sealing the edges properly: Failing to pinch the seam tightly can lead to unrolling in the oven. Make sure to seal it well before cutting.
• Skipping the butter sauce: The butter mixture adds flavor and helps achieve a golden crust. Don’t skip this step; it enhances both taste and appearance.
• Baking at incorrect temperature: Baking at a temperature that’s too low can result in soggy pinwheels. Ensure your oven is preheated to 350 degrees F for optimal cooking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pinwheels in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing chicken ham and Cheese Pinwheels

• Place cooled pinwheels in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating chicken ham and Cheese Pinwheels

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, place pinwheels on a baking sheet, and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual pinwheels on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds or until hot.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over medium heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about chicken ham and cheese pinwheels, here are some common questions answered.

Can I use different types of cheese?

You can definitely swap out swiss cheese for other varieties like cheddar or gouda. Each will give a unique flavor!

How do I make chicken ham and Cheese Pinwheels ahead of time?

Prepare the pinwheels up to the baking step, cover them tightly, and refrigerate. Bake them just before serving.

What can I serve with chicken ham and Cheese Pinwheels?

These are great paired with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard, as well as fresh salads.

Are chicken ham and Cheese Pinwheels kid-friendly?

Yes! These bites are easy to handle and packed with flavors that kids typically love, making them perfect for lunchboxes or parties.

Final Thoughts

These chicken ham and cheese pinwheels are an appealing appetizer that combines savory flavors with irresistible textures. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different meats and cheeses or even add vegetables for extra crunch. Try making them for your next gathering!