These Ham and Cheese Roll Ups are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make in minutes with just a handful of ingredients.They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, game day gatherings, holiday celebrations, and more!
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Tortilla roll ups (aka tortilla pinwheels) are one of my favorite appetizers to make. The options for ingredient combinations are endless, and they come together in a snap!
In fact, you only need 6 simple ingredients to make these ham and cheese pinwheels and just 10 minutes of prep time.
The classic combination of ham and cheese makes this one appetizer both kids and adults will love! For more ham and cheese recipes, check out our ham and cheese sliders, chicken crescent rolls, and these smoky and cheesy ham crescent rolls.
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
- Easy to Make: It takes just a few minutes to mix up the creamy spread and assemble the roll ups. Then, chill in the fridge and cut into pinwheels before serving.
- Common Ingredients: You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients to put these ham and cheese tortilla roll ups together.
- Party Favorite: Everyone loves bite-sized snacks that are easy to grab and eat. These roll ups are always a hit at potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as an appetizer for game day.
Ingredients
Here’s a look at everything you’ll need to make these ham and cream cheese roll ups.
- Cream Cheese: This forms the base of the spread for the roll ups. Be sure to use regular cream cheese, not whipped. If you love appetizers with cream cheese, check out our sausage crescent rolls next.
- Cheddar Cheese: For the best flavor, I recommend shredding your own cheese, but pre-shredded will work if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
- Ranch Seasoning: For flavoring the cream cheese spread. If you bought a packet of ranch seasoning just for this recipe, these chicken bacon ranch sliders are another great way to use it!
- Green Onions: These provide a subtle onion flavor and a bit of crunch.
- Deli Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham works best for rolling up the tortillas tightly. You can use honey ham, smoked ham, or your favorite variety for a different flavor.
- Tortillas: I used plain flour tortillas, but feel free to use whole wheat, spinach, sun-dried tomato, or another type of tortillas.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe without gluten.
- Change up the Cheese: Replace the cheddar with another type of cheese, such as Monterey jack, swiss, or mozzarella. Or, go with a mix of cheeses!
- Swap the Meat: Feel free to experiment with different deli meats like turkey or roast beef.
- Add Veggies: Try adding some veggies to the roll ups like spinach, shredded lettuce, roasted red peppers, or cucumber slices.
- Mix in Some Herbs: Make some ham roll ups with cream cheese and chives or parsley by throwing some fresh, chopped herbs into the cheese mixture.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Roll Ups
To get started making these pinwheel appetizers, you’ll need to shred the cheddar cheese and slice the green onions.
- Step 1: Make the spread. Add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and green onions to a mixing bowl. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Step 2: Assemble the roll ups. Spread the cheese mixture onto each tortilla and then place the sliced ham on top.
- Step 3: Roll. Roll up the tortillas and wrap them in plastic wrap to keep their shape. Place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Step 4: Slice. Carefully remove the plastic wrap from the tortillas and slice the ends off of each one. Then, cut them into 1-inch thick slices.
Hint: Roll Tightly!
Start from one end and roll slowly, keeping the tortilla snug as you go so that the pinwheels hold together better when sliced.
Expert Tips
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese is hard to work with, so be sure to bring your cream cheese to room temperature, which will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
- Use Soft Tortillas: Ensure you’re using fresh tortillas that are soft and pliable to avoid cracking while rolling. If your tortillas feel stiff, microwave them for about 10 seconds to make them easier to roll without cracking.
- Spread Evenly: Be sure to evenly spread the cream cheese mixture onto the tortillas to prevent clumping. An icing spatula or the back of the spoon works well for this.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the roll ups to chill in the fridge for at least an hour, if not longer, before slicing. This helps to firm up the cream cheese, which makes it easier to cut clean slices.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store the sliced pinwheels in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can keep them in a single layer or place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. I don’t recommend freezing them, as this will change the texture of the cream cheese.
- Make Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the roll ups a day in advance. After making them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge. Then, slice them right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these cheese and ham roll ups at your next game day get-together along with other fun appetizers like these twice baked potatoes, little smokies, crack corn dip, and these bacon wrapped Little Smokies.
- Make these pinwheels into a meal and serve them alongside some air-fried tater tots or cheese fries.
- They’re also great with a side of cottage cheese ranch dip to enhance the ranch flavor.
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes
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Ham and Cheese Roll Ups
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 5 green onions diced
- ½ pound deli ham
- 4 tortillas 10-inch
Instructions
- In a medium bowl mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and onions until well combined.
- Spread ¼ cup of the cheese mixture to each tortilla. Then, evenly divide the ham slices and place them on the cheese mixture.
- Tightly roll up tortillas and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a minumum of 1 hour or overnight.
- Remove plastic wrap and slice the ends off. Cut into 1-inch thick slices.
Notes
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese is hard to work with, so be sure to bring your cream cheese to room temperature, which will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
- Use Soft Tortillas: Ensure you’re using fresh tortillas that are soft and pliable to avoid cracking while rolling. If your tortillas feel stiff, microwave them for about 10 seconds to make them easier to roll without cracking.
- Spread Evenly: Be sure to evenly spread the cream cheese mixture onto the tortillas to prevent clumping. An icing spatula or the back of the spoon works well for this.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the roll ups to chill in the fridge for at least an hour, if not longer, before slicing. This helps to firm up the cream cheese, which makes it easier to cut clean slices.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen
The roll ups are one of my favorite appetizers for parties.