There’s something downright magical about holiday appetizers—especially the kind that look fancy, taste amazing, and come together in minutes. These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels with Cranberry Mustard Dip are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack for Thanksgiving gatherings, game day spreads, or casual parties. Whether you're hosting a big dinner or just need a platter of quick bites to keep the crowd happy, these savory-sweet pinwheels are a go-to. The cranberry mustard adds a zingy seasonal twist, and the creamy cheese layered with salty ham inside a soft tortilla makes every bite addictive. Trust me, these will disappear faster than the turkey.
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels with Cranberry Mustard Dip
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 36 pinwheels (6 per tortilla, adjust as needed)
Cutting board for rolling and slicing the pinwheels.
Mixing bowls for preparing the cream cheese spread and dip.
Rubber spatula or offset spatula to evenly spread the cream cheese mixture.
Sharp knife or serrated knife for clean slicing of the pinwheels.
Plastic wrap helps set the pinwheels before slicing.
Optional: electric mixer makes whipping cream cheese easier and smoother.
For the Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
- 6 large flour tortillas 10-inch, burrito-size
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for depth
- 12 slices of deli ham thinly sliced
- 6 slices of cheddar cheese or Swiss, for a milder flavor
- 1 cup baby spinach optional for freshness and color
For the Cranberry Mustard Dip
- 1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce store-bought or homemade
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt to taste
Make the Cream Cheese Spread
In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. You’re looking for a smooth, easily spreadable consistency. This base mimics the classic filling from popular cold pinwheel recipes but with a little more flavor punch.
Lay and Layer
Place one tortilla flat on your cutting board. Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges. This will help the tortilla “seal” when rolled.
Lay 2 slices of ham on top, slightly overlapping, then add 1 slice of cheddar cheese. If you’re using spinach, scatter a few leaves over the cheese for added texture and color. This layering combo gives a nod to the familiar ham rollups appetizers while elevating the taste with a flavorful base.
Roll it Up
Roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other, like you're making a jelly roll. Try to keep it snug to avoid air gaps. Wrap the rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the roll firm up and makes it easier to slice cleanly.
Repeat the process with remaining tortillas.
Make the Cranberry Mustard Dip
In a small bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey until well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang as needed. This dip is where Thanksgiving flavor comes in—it’s sweet, tart, and mustardy, perfect for balancing the rich ham and cheese.
Slice and Serve
Once the pinwheels are chilled, remove the plastic wrap and trim off the uneven ends. Slice each roll into 6 equal pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Arrange on a platter around a small bowl of cranberry mustard dip.
Serve chilled or at room temperature, making them an ideal choice for cold pinwheel recipes that can sit on a buffet table without fuss.
Pairings
These ham and cheese pinwheels are versatile and pair beautifully with other easy pinwheel recipes. If you’re building an appetizer spread, consider offering a few variations like salami pinwheels with pesto and provolone, or cream cheese pinwheels tortilla with roasted red peppers and olives for a vegetarian twist.
Beverage-wise, these pinwheels go well with dry white wines (think Sauvignon Blanc), light beers, or sparkling water with citrus. For a more festive Thanksgiving pairing, try apple cider—spiked or not—or a cranberry spritzer to echo the flavors of the dip.
As part of a lunchbox or potluck platter, you could also serve them with fresh fruit skewers, a small side salad, or even a bowl of warm soup like butternut squash or tomato basil for a comforting combo.
FAQs
1. What kind of ham works best for pinwheels?
Deli ham is ideal here—look for thinly sliced, high-quality ham like Black Forest or honey ham. Avoid thick cuts, which can make the roll-ups bulky and harder to slice neatly.
2. Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely. Cheddar gives a nice sharpness, while Swiss or provolone are more mellow. You could even try pepper jack for a spicy kick or layer in a combination for flavor variety.
3. How far ahead can I make these pinwheels?
You can prep and roll them up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep them tightly wrapped in plastic and slice right before serving for the freshest presentation.
4. Can I turn these into warm sausage pinwheels cream cheese snacks?
If you're craving something heartier, swap the ham for cooked, crumbled sausage, and mix the cream cheese with herbs and shredded cheddar. Bake them in crescent dough for a warm, savory twist.
5. Are these good for picky eaters or kids?
Yes, they’re a hit with all ages. The flavors are simple and familiar, and kids love that they’re bite-sized. You can even omit the spinach or swap in turkey if your little eaters prefer it.
