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Easy Ham & Cheddar Pinwheels with Ranch: Best Baked Appetizer

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These Easy Ham & Cheddar Pinwheels with Ranch are the perfect baked appetizer for any party or gathering. Made with crescent roll dough, creamy ranch, sharp cheddar, and deli ham, they come together in just 25 minutes and disappear in seconds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 6 oz thinly sliced deli ham
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. Make the ranch cream cheese spread. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing. Use your rubber spatula to mix until it’s completely smooth and well combined. Stir in the garlic powder if you’re using it.
  3. Prepare your work surface. Lightly flour a clean cutting board or countertop. Unroll the crescent dough and press the perforated seams together if you’re using the regular kind. Gently stretch or roll the dough into a rectangle that’s about 12×9 inches.
  4. Spread the filling. Using your spatula, spread the ranch cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Leave a small 1/2-inch border along one of the long edges.
  5. Layer the ham and cheese. Lay the slices of ham evenly over the cream cheese mixture, overlapping slightly as needed. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the ham. Press down gently so everything adheres.
  6. Roll it up tight. Starting from the long edge opposite the bare border, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. When you reach the bare border, press it gently to seal the seam.
  7. Chill the log (optional but helpful). If you have time, wrap the log in plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This makes slicing easier.
  8. Slice into pinwheels. Using your sharp knife, cut the log into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch slices. You should get about 12 to 14 pinwheels. Place each pinwheel on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
  9. Brush with butter and season. Using your pastry brush, lightly brush the top of each pinwheel with melted butter. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning if you’re using it, or just a pinch of flaky sea salt.
  10. Bake to golden perfection. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed up and the edges are golden brown.
  11. Cool slightly and serve. Let the pinwheels cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For cleaner slices, chill the rolled log in the freezer for 15 minutes before slicing. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning. Let pinwheels rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set. To make ahead, assemble the log, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. Unbaked sliced pinwheels can be frozen for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and cheddar pinwheels, ranch pinwheels, baked appetizer, crescent roll appetizer, easy party food, game day snacks

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/easy-ham-and-cheddar-pinwheels-with-ranch-best-baked-appetizer/