Name: Ham and Cheese Pinwheels with Fresh Dill
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 large flour tortillas (soft and flexible); 200g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped; 100g (3.5 oz) prosciutto or other thinly sliced ham; 1 ball fresh mozzarella, torn into small pieces; 1 cup fresh lettuce leaves, torn into smaller pieces; Salt and black pepper, to taste

If you’re looking for a fresh, creamy, and easy appetizer, these ham and cheese pinwheels are an absolute winner. They’re the kind of recipe that looks fancy on the table but takes just minutes to make. The combination of soft tortillas, creamy cheese, savory prosciutto, and aromatic dill creates the perfect bite every time.

I love serving these at family brunches, small gatherings, or even when I just want a quick snack that feels special. They’re light, flavorful, and so satisfying — truly a recipe that checks all the boxes for both taste and presentation.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a summer picnic, or preparing a quick lunch, these ham and cheese pinwheels will never disappoint.

Why I Love These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

I’ve made these rolls more times than I can count, and they always disappear faster than I expect. There’s something about the mix of creamy cheese, fresh herbs, and salty ham that makes them incredibly addictive.

Here’s why this recipe is one of my all-time favorites:

They’re ready in under 20 minutes. No cooking required.
They’re versatile. Perfect for snacks, appetizers, or even lunch.
They’re fresh and light. The dill and lettuce add the perfect balance to the rich cheese and ham.
They store beautifully. You can make them ahead and chill before serving.

They’re also very photogenic — the pretty green and pink spirals look so inviting on a serving platter!

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Ingredients

You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make these ham and cheese pinwheels, and you might already have most of them at home:

4 large flour tortillas (soft and flexible)
200g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
100g (3.5 oz) prosciutto or other thinly sliced ham
1 ball fresh mozzarella, torn into small pieces
1 cup fresh lettuce leaves, torn into smaller pieces
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Simple ingredients, but when they come together — magic happens.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the most flavorful ham and cheese pinwheels. I’ve included photos of each stage to show exactly how it should look.

Step 1: Spread the cream cheese
Lay one tortilla flat on a clean cutting board. Using a knife or spatula, spread an even layer of cream cheese all over the surface, right to the edges.

Step 2: Season
Lightly sprinkle the cream cheese with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This adds just the right amount of flavor before layering the other ingredients.

Step 3: Add the prosciutto
Place thin slices of prosciutto evenly on top of the cream cheese layer. The salty flavor of the ham complements the creamy base perfectly.

Step 4: Sprinkle the dill
Scatter finely chopped fresh dill evenly over the top of the prosciutto. The aroma instantly brightens up the flavor and gives the pinwheels their signature freshness.

Step 5: Add the mozzarella
Tear the mozzarella ball into small, uneven pieces and distribute them across the tortilla. Don’t worry about perfection — the rustic look adds charm, and the cheese will melt beautifully into each bite.

Step 6: Add the lettuce
Finally, tear the lettuce leaves into smaller pieces and spread them over the mozzarella. The fresh crunch is what makes these ham and cheese pinwheels irresistible.

Step 7: Roll it up tightly
Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly into a log. Keep it firm but not too tight, so the filling stays in place without squeezing out.

Step 8: Chill before slicing
Place the rolled tortilla in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. Chilling helps the pinwheel hold its shape when you slice it.

Step 9: Slice and serve
Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 1-inch pieces. Arrange the pinwheels neatly on a serving plate and serve immediately — or refrigerate until you’re ready to wow your guests.

Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

These little details make a big difference:

Use soft, fresh tortillas — older ones tend to crack when rolling.
Spread the cream cheese evenly to help the roll hold together.
Chill before slicing — this keeps your spirals neat and picture-perfect.
Add herbs last minute to keep their flavor fresh.
Experiment with wraps — spinach or tomato tortillas add color and extra taste.

If you like a little tang, you can even drizzle a touch of lemon juice before rolling. It makes the flavor pop.

When to Serve

That’s the beauty of these ham and cheese pinwheels — they’re suited for almost any occasion:

Holiday platters: Add them to your Christmas or Easter appetizer spread.
Summer picnics: They travel well and taste great cold.
Family gatherings: Kids and adults both love them.
Lunch boxes: A perfect, mess-free option.
Quick party snacks: Make a large batch ahead of time and chill until guests arrive.

They’re elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for everyday meals.

Variations and Flavor Ideas

Once you’ve tried the classic version, feel free to experiment:

Swap prosciutto for smoked turkey or baked ham for a different twist.
Add a thin layer of pesto or mustard before the cheese for a flavor kick.
Mix herbs like parsley or chives with dill for extra freshness.
Sprinkle a bit of Parmesan inside for a sharper, richer flavor.

You can even make a vegetarian version by skipping the ham and adding roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini slices instead.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These pinwheels are a dream for meal prep and parties. Once rolled, wrap each tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

When ready to serve, simply slice, arrange, and enjoy. If you’re serving them outdoors or on a buffet, keep them chilled until the last minute to maintain freshness.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. The lettuce might lose a bit of crunch, but the flavor stays wonderful.

What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

These ham and cheese pinwheels are so versatile that they pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

A fresh peach burrata salad for a summery combo — try my Fresh Peach Burrata Salad Recipe.
Bite-sized salami and cheese skewers for your next party platter — find the full recipe here: Easy Salami and Cheese Skewers Recipe.
Want a seafood twist? Check out my Easy Tuna Pinwheels You Can Make in Minutes.

Each of these appetizers complements the light, creamy flavor of the pinwheels beautifully.

And if you love discovering new quick and easy recipes, follow me on Pinterest at Daily Appetizer, where I post my latest creations every week.

Final Thoughts

These ham and cheese pinwheels with fresh dill are one of those recipes that you’ll fall in love with instantly. They’re creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make — a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something really special.

They’ve become one of my favorite make-ahead appetizers for busy weekends, last-minute guests, or even just when I crave something delicious but effortless.

So the next time you need a quick snack that looks beautiful and tastes even better, grab some tortillas and whip up a batch of these pinwheels. They’re guaranteed to impress.