Easy Ham and Cheese Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe (Make-Ahead Appetizer)

These ham and cheese tortilla pinwheels prove that the best party appetizers are often the simplest ones. After spotting expensive versions at the warehouse store, we decided to create our homemade version that tastes fresher, costs less, and offers complete control over ingredients. The secret lies in the flavorful cream cheese spread enhanced with horseradish and roasted garlic, which transforms ordinary deli ingredients into an extraordinary appetizer that disappears within minutes of serving.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of pinwheels lies in their make-ahead convenience and visual appeal. The cream cheese mixture acts as both flavor enhancer and “glue” that holds everything together during rolling and slicing. Chilling the rolled tortillas firms up the filling, ensuring clean cuts and preventing unraveling. The combination of horseradish and roasted garlic adds sophisticated flavor that elevates these beyond basic deli roll-ups. These make a great make-ahead snack or party food.

Ingredients

• Fresh spinach leaves – Add color, nutrition, and fresh taste
• Large flour tortillas – Provide the flexible base that wraps around all fillings
• Sliced Deli ham – Delivers the main protein and savory flavor foundation
• Swiss cheese slices – Adds creamy texture and nutty taste that complements ham
• Cream cheese – Creates the spreadable base that binds all ingredients
• Mayonnaise – Adds richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency
• Brown mustard – Provides a tangy flavor that cuts through rich ingredients
• Prepared horseradish – Delivers subtle heat and distinctive sharp flavor
• Salt – Enhances all other flavors in the mixture
• Roasted garlic – Contributes a mellow, sweet garlic flavor without harshness
• Sugar – Balances the tangy and spicy elements

How to Make Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

1. Whip cream cheese with mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish, salt, garlic, and sugar.
2. Spread cream cheese mixture on flour tortillas.
3. Sprinkle spinach on top of the cream cheese mixture.
4. Place ham on top of the layer of spinach.
5. Place Swiss cheese on top of the ham.
6. Roll up and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
7. Slice into 1/2-inch pieces. Serve and enjoy!

Chef’s Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest mixing. When rolling, apply gentle but consistent pressure to prevent air pockets. A serrated knife works best for clean cuts through the chilled tortillas without crushing the filling.

What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Sliced pickles, olives, and cherry tomatoes are great to serve with pinwheels.

Salsa or Pico de Gallo are fantastic pinwheel toppings. Have the sauce in a bowl next to the pinwheels for people to spoon over them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Ham Pinwheel Leftovers

• Refrigerator Storage: Store wrapped rolls for up to 3 days before slicing, or sliced pinwheels for up to 2 days in an airtight container
• Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare rolls up to 24 hours in advance for best flavor development. Slice just before serving for optimal appearance
• Freezing: Not recommended, as tortillas become soggy and cream cheese separates when thawed

More Easy Appetizer Recipes

• Grilled Buffalo Wings
• Garlic Chicken Wing Recipe
• French Onion Soup Dip
• Cheese Rotel Dip
• Chili’s Queso Dip
• Big Mouth Burger Bites
• Pappasito’s Cheese Dip Recipe
• Veggie Pizza Appetizer with Hidden Valley Ranch
• Buffalo Style Meatballs
• Copycat Chipotle Guacamole Recipe

Best Ham Recipes

• Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets
• How to Make Honeybaked Ham
• Old-Fashioned Ham Salad
• Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Be sure to look at my tasty appetizers and game day food recipes.