Savory Ham and Cheese Rolls – Pinwheel Style
These savory ham and cheese rolls are a delicious twist on the classic cinnamon roll style pastry. Soft, fluffy dough filled with melted cheese and ham slices, rolled up into pinwheels and baked until golden. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a cozy snack.
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I have a soft spot for cinnamon rolls. And I mean well-made cinnamon rolls. There’s something magical about that fluffy dough wrapped around that sweet cinnamon filling. I could eat them any day, at any time. But now and then, I find myself craving something savory instead.
That’s when inspiration strikes: why not take the same comforting, swirled shape of a cinnamon roll and fill it with something salty, cheesy, and hearty?
Enter my Savory Ham and Cheese Rolls. The same tender dough (with butter and eggs), rolled out, and brushed with a touch of mustard, a generous layer of smoky ham and cheese, rolled tight into pinwheels that bake into spirals of goodness! They’re soft and full of flavor.
The best part? They work for literally any meal: breakfast with coffee, brunch with friends, lunch alongside a salad, or even a grab-and-go snack.
This recipe is inspired by my love for both worlds—the sweet cinnamon rolls I can’t resist and the savory comfort of cheese and ham. Once you make them, you’ll find yourself craving them again!
How I Make Them
I start by waking up the yeast. I mix half of the milk (warmed for 30 seconds in the microwave) with the yeast and a little sugar, then I let it rest until foamy (about 5 minutes).
While that’s activating, I bring together the flour, salt, eggs, and the rest of the milk in a big bowl. Once the yeast mixture is ready, I add it in, mix everything, and then slowly work in the softened butter, cut into small pieces.
The dough comes together soft but not sticky, thanks to the butter, and after a quick knead on the table, it’s smooth and ready to rise.
I let the dough rest for about an hour in a warm place until it doubles in size. Then, I roll it out into a rectangle, brush it lightly with butter and a bit of mustard for flavor, and spread the ham and cheese evenly across the surface. Half the rectangle with ham, the other half with the cheese.
After rolling it up tightly, I cut it into thick slices, about three centimeters each, and arranged them on a parchment-lined tray. Another short rise and ready for the oven.
Before baking, I brush the tops with egg wash or milk, and sometimes I even sprinkle a touch of sugar on top for that lovely sweet-savory contrast. Into the oven they go, and in about 20 minutes, I have golden spirals filled with melted cheese and ham.
They smell incredible, and once cooled just slightly, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
Recipe Card
Savory Ham and Cheese Rolls – Pinwheel Style
Ingredients
- 600 grams flour
- 2 eggs
- 7 grams dry yeast (or equivalent fresh yeast) (or 20 grams fresh yeast)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 200 ml milk
- 100 grams butter at room temperature
- 250 grams ham sliced
- 250 grams cheese sliced or grated (Gouda or mozzarella)
- 1 tsp mustard or butter to brush the dough
- 1 egg for eggwash (or some milk) to brush the rolls before baking.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, put half of the warm milk, add the yeast and half the sugar, mix, and let rest for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, put the flour and the salt.
- Add the rest of the warm milk, the eggs, and the activated yeast mixture.
- Mix until combined.
- Add the butter, cut into small chunks, and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Brush with melted butter and spread the mustard.
- Add the ham and the cheese evenly across the surface. Roll tightly into a log.
- Cut into slices about 3 centimeters thick and arrange on a parchment-lined baking tray. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Brush with egg wash or a little milk.
- Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sugar on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
More Ideas for a Better Result
- You can use a mix of cheeses for deeper flavor—cheddar for sharpness, mozzarella for stretch, or gouda for a creamy melt. You can even sprinkle them with Parmesan before baking them.
- Swap the ham for turkey, salami, or even roasted veggies if you prefer a vegetarian version.
- A sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds on top adds texture and looks beautiful.
- These rolls freeze well—just reheat before serving.
My savory ham and cheese rolls are comfort food in every bite. Soft, buttery, and filled with goodness, they’re easy to make and delicious.
Pin for Later!
Savory Ham and Cheese Rolls – Pinwheel Style
Gabi Ancarola
Gabi is a travel writer who has lived in Crete for over a decade. Through her blog, Crete Insider, she has helped travelers uncover local experiences. Passionate about food and Cretan cuisine, she now attends Greek cooking lessons to bring the island’s flavors straight to your kitchen!
Discover The Greek Yogurt Recipe Book — a curated collection of 35 delicious recipes using Greek yogurt, from wholesome breakfasts to savory dinners and refreshing treats.
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