This Easy Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Appetizer Recipe is a hit with party guests of all ages. These quick and easy bites use tortillas, cream cheese, deli meat, and cheese to create a fun, handheld snack that's perfect for any gathering.

They're rolled, sliced, and secured with toothpicks for an effortless yet impressive party treat. Such a great after-school snack too!
Why I love this Easy Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Appetizer Recipe
• Easy Appetizer Recipe - There are only 4 ingredients in these easy appetizers! Tortillas, cream cheese, ham (salami or turkey) and cheese.
• Huge Hit with Kids - My kiddos have the tendency to grab sweet treats or chips, and I'd rather them eat something with protein. That's why I love these pinwheel appetizers. They're simple to make and packed with protein.
• Protein Snack - I love that there's lots of protein in every bite! There are so many benefits to incorporating more protein in your diet. Especially for my growing teenager. As a mom of a growing teenage girl and an almost 10 year-old boy, I know how important it is for them to eat foods that will give them energy and good nutrition. Great after-school snack.
• Perfect Party Food - Not only is this a great snack for kids and teens, it's also a fun addition to any party! These pinwheel appetizers will be a tasty and satisfying addition to your next party! Terrific as a game day party appetizer. Also great for birthday parties or for holiday parties.
• Make Ahead - They’re perfect for stress-free entertaining since I can make them ahead of time and simply slice and serve when guests arrive.
• The Perfect Finger Food - No mess, no fuss! These handheld pinwheel appetizers are easy to serve and even easier to eat.
• Crowd Pleaser - With just a few affordable ingredients, I can make a large batch to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. One of my favorite pinwheel recipes.
Ingredient notes
• Tortillas -Use soft, small flour tortillas (not large tortillas) for easy rolling and slicing. Spinach or tomato-flavored tortillas can add color and flavor variety. Choose your favorite kind of tortillas.
• Cream Cheese - Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor, but reduced-fat or flavored varieties (like chive or garden veggie) work well too. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy spreading.
• Deli Meat - Thinly sliced ham, turkey, or salami are ideal. Choose high-quality deli meats for better flavor, or try flavored options like honey ham or smoked turkey for a twist.
• Cheddar Cheese - Sliced cheddar cheese is easy to layer and adds a sharp, creamy bite. Swap with Swiss cheese, provolone cheese, or pepper jack cheese to suit your taste.
How to make Easy Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
1.) Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on tortilla. Spread it out well so that the whole tortilla has a thin layer.
2.) Place two slices cheese on top (cutting into pieces, if needed to cover tortilla).
3.) Then place a few pieces of deli meat to cover the surface of the tortilla, overlapping meat if needed. This ensures that each pinwheel has meat and cheese.
4.) Roll up the tortilla tightly. Cut off a small portion of the ends of the tortillas and discard, then cut the remaining rolled tortilla into 5-6 slices, about 1 inch thick.
5.) Repeat with remaining ingredients. Full recipe is at the end of this post.
Quick Tips
• Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese - Spreadable cream cheese makes it easier to create an even layer without tearing the tortilla.
• Choose Fresh Tortillas - Soft, fresh tortillas roll up neatly without cracking or breaking.
• Chill Before Slicing - Refrigerate the rolled tortillas for 30 minutes to firm up, making them easier to slice cleanly.
• Use a Sharp Knife - A sharp serrated or chef’s knife helps create clean, even slices without squishing the roll.
• Don’t Overfill - Keep fillings thin and even to avoid messy rolling or pinwheels falling apart.
• Customize the Fillings - Switch up the meat (ham, turkey, salami) or cheese to suit your taste or your guests’ preferences.
• Add a Pop of Color - Include fresh spinach, bell peppers, shredded carrots, or fresh herbs for extra flavor and visual appeal. Choose your favorite flavor combinations.
• Secure with Toothpicks - For easy serving, insert a toothpick into each pinwheel to hold them together and make them finger-food friendly.
Frequently asked questions
• Can I make this fun appetizer ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh, then slice and serve when ready. Definitely put these on your list of easy appetizers.
• How do I keep these tortilla roll-ups from unrolling? Ensure the tortillas are evenly spread with cream cheese to act as "glue." Chill the cream cheese pinwheels before slicing to help them hold their shape, and secure each pinwheel with a toothpick for serving.
• Can I freeze ham and cheese pinwheels - Pinwheels can be frozen before slicing. Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.
• Can I use flavored cream cheese for the cream cheese filling? Absolutely! Herb, garlic, or garden vegetable cream cheese adds extra flavor without extra effort. Or you could add ranch dressing mix to the cream cheese for added flavor.
• Are these pinwheels gluten-free? Not as written, but you can substitute with gluten-free tortillas to make them suitable for gluten-free diets.
• How do I store the leftover pinwheels? Store these easy appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Related Recipes
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Easy Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Appetizer Recipe
Equipment
- 8" Hexclad Stainless Steel Bread Knife These are the best knives.
- Set of 3 Offset Spatulas Great for spreading cream cheese on tortillas or frosting a cake.
Ingredients
- 18 slices deli ham, salami or turkey (thinly sliced)
- 12 slices cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 6 small flour tortillas
Instructions
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese tortilla. Spread it out well so that the whole tortilla has a thin layer. Place two slices cheese on top (cutting into pieces, if needed to cover tortilla). Then place a few pieces of deli meat to cover the surface of the tortilla, overlapping meat if needed. This ensures that each pinwheel has meat and cheese.
- Roll up the tortilla tightly. Cut off a small portion of each end and discard, then cut the remaining rolled tortilla into 5-6 slices, about 1 inch thick. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Sarah L says
I'd like the Italian style since I really like the flavors. Very quick and easy.
Thanks for the contest.
Tabathia B says
I would like to try the italian style wrap or the pepperoni ranch
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Susan Smith says
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/644913014026584064
Susan Smith says
I want to try the turkey and cheese wrap the most.
Ellie Wright says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/644725390028595200
Ellie Wright says
I have not tried these, but I would like to try the Rev Ham & Cheese Wrap.
CR Williams says
Tweeted https://twitter.com/mommysweetiepie/status/644611937997864960
CR Williams says
I would like the turkey and cheese.
Thomas Murphy says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/644611233237311491
Thomas Murphy says
I want to try the Peppered Turkey Wrap.
mita says
I would like to try the bacon club
mita says
Tweet - https://twitter.com/mitadav/status/644520926252527616
Amanda Sakovitz says
tweet
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/644489718428758016
Amanda Sakovitz says
I would love to try the turkey and cheese wrap
Stephanie Phelps says
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/644287600384208896