Delicious Deviled Ham Pinwheels

Growing up, deviled ham always meant those little cans from the grocery store. My mom would spread it on crackers when we had company over, and I thought that was the only way to enjoy it. It wasn’t until I started hosting my own get-togethers that I discovered how much better homemade deviled ham could be.

These pinwheels are what changed my mind about deviled ham forever. They’re easier to make than you might think, and they’re perfect for parties or afternoon snacks. While the canned stuff will do in a pinch, this homemade version has become my go-to recipe whenever I need something quick but want it to taste like I spent hours in the kitchen.

What Kind of Ham Spread Should I Use?

When it comes to ham spread for these pinwheels, you’ll most commonly find Underwood’s deviled ham in the canned meat section of your grocery store – it’s basically the classic go-to option. If you can’t find canned ham spread, you can actually make your own by finely chopping or processing deli ham with mayo and seasonings until it reaches a spreadable consistency. For those watching their sodium intake, look for lower-sodium versions of canned ham spread, though these might be harder to find in some stores. Just make sure whatever spread you use is smooth enough to blend easily with the other ingredients – nobody wants lumpy pinwheels!

Options for Substitutions

Need to make some swaps? Here are some helpful substitutions for this pinwheel recipe:

• Ham spread: If you can’t find canned ham spread, you can make your own by finely chopping or food processing 1 cup of cooked ham with 3 tablespoons of mayo until it forms a spread-like consistency.
• Cream cheese: You can use Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option, or try dairy-free cream cheese if you need a non-dairy version. Just make sure it’s well-softened for easy spreading.
• Mayo: Greek yogurt makes a good substitute – use plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, healthier swap. You could also use light mayo if you prefer.
• Flour tortillas: Spinach or sun-dried tomato wraps work great for added color and flavor. You can also use lavash bread or large sandwich wraps – just make sure they’re fresh and pliable.
• Crushed pineapple: Out of pineapple? Try using finely diced apple or mandarin oranges (well-drained). Just pat them dry first to avoid making the filling too wet.
• Green onions: Finely chopped chives or red onions can step in for green onions. If using red onions, use half the amount since they’re stronger.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making pinwheels is dealing with tortillas that crack or break while rolling – to prevent this, make sure to warm your tortillas slightly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until they’re pliable but not hot. Another common mistake is spreading the filling too thick or too close to the edges, which causes it to squeeze out during rolling – leave about a 1/2 inch border around the edges and use a thin, even layer of filling. If your pinwheels aren’t holding their shape when sliced, it’s likely because the filling is too loose – try chilling the rolled tortillas for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before cutting, and use a sharp serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion. For the best presentation and texture, pat the crushed pineapple very dry with paper towels before mixing it into the filling to prevent excess moisture from making the tortillas soggy.

What to Serve With Ham Pinwheels?

These sweet and savory ham pinwheels are perfect for parties and go really well with some simple sides that won’t overshadow their flavor. A crisp vegetable platter with carrots, celery, and bell peppers adds a nice fresh crunch and helps balance out the creamy filling. Since these pinwheels already have a lot going on flavor-wise, I like to keep the accompaniments light – think fresh fruit like grapes or strawberries, or even some kettle-cooked potato chips for extra crunch. If you’re serving these at a party, they pair nicely with other finger foods like deviled eggs or a simple cheese board.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These pinwheels are best when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. I like to place a piece of paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture and keep them from getting soggy.

Make Ahead: You can prep these pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance – perfect for party planning! Just wrap them well and keep them chilled. The flavors actually get better as they hang out together in the fridge. Just slice them right before serving for the best presentation.

Serving Tip: Take the pinwheels out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before serving to let them come closer to room temperature. This helps bring out all those yummy flavors of the ham spread and cream cheese filling. If you’ve made them ahead, give them a quick check to make sure they’re still tightly rolled before slicing.

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	15-20 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1500-1700
• Protein: 25-30 g
• Fat: 100-120 g
• Carbohydrates: 130-150 g

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons mayo
• 1/4 cup dijon-style mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 can ham spread
• 1 package softened cream cheese
• 1/4 cup drained crushed pineapple
• 1 tablespoon minced green onions
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 4 large flour tortillas

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the ham and cream cheese until smooth and thoroughly combined.

Once smooth, stir in the pineapple, green onions, and honey.

Ensure all ingredients are well blended to create a flavorful filling for the tortilla roll-ups.

Step 2: Assemble the Roll-Ups

Take one flour tortilla and spread 1/4 cup of the ham and cream cheese mixture evenly over it.

Roll up the tortilla starting with one edge to create a snug roll.

Repeat this process with the remaining flour tortillas and ham mixture.

Step 3: Wrap and Refrigerate

Wrap each rolled-up tortilla tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its shape and flavors.

Once wrapped, place in the refrigerator to chill before serving.

This step ensures the roll-ups are easy to slice and serve.

Step 4: Prepare the Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

While the roll-ups are chilling, make the honey mustard dipping sauce by mixing together mustard, mayonnaise, and honey in a small bowl.

Blend until smooth and fully combined.

Refrigerate the sauce to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

When ready to serve, remove the roll-ups from the fridge.

Cut off the ends of each tortilla roll that do not contain any filling.

Slice the remaining part of the roll-up into 1-inch slices.

Arrange the slices on a serving platter and serve with the chilled honey mustard dipping sauce for a tasty appetizer or snack.