Ham and pineapple pinwheels are a favorite in my house, especially with my little boys. I shudder at the thought of how much food I’ll need to cook when they’re teenagers… they already eat more than me, and they’re only 6 and 3! If I bounced on the trampoline, climbed trees, and ran everywhere, making shooting noises like they do, I’d probably be starving, too.
Joshua and Caleb both love these pinwheels, and I don’t mind making them because they’re so easy. The idea came to me when they wanted Hawaiian-style pizza, and I had leftover ham in the fridge. So, I put the two together, and POOF! Dinner (and snacks for the next day) was ready in just 30 minutes. I even managed to keep them from sneaking granola bars and handfuls of goldfish for at least one afternoon. 🙂
Easy Ham and Pineapple Pinwheels
Ham and pineapple pinwheels are a quick and delicious snack or meal option your whole family will love. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have these tasty bites ready in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Grab a roll of crescent or pizza dough from the refrigerator section of your supermarket. I personally prefer the crescent dough because of the buttery taste, but the pizza dough works just as well. If you use the crescent dough, be sure to press the perforated edges together and gently roll it out into a large rectangular shape. Cover the dough with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, about 1 cup. I also use crescent dough to make mozzarella and pepperoni pinwheels.
Pinwheels for the party. What feeds everyone after?
Heidi's pizza pasta bake, straight from your oven.
Step 2: Add Ham
Now it’s time to layer on the ham. Dice up about 1 cup of cooked ham into small, bite-sized pieces for even coverage. I used leftover ham from my red pepper jelly and coffee-crusted ham, which added an extra layer of flavor.
Leftovers are perfect for this recipe, but any cooked ham will work just fine. Spread the ham evenly across the dough, making sure every bite will have that savory goodness.
Step 3: Prepare the Pineapple
Next, drain a 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple thoroughly. Use a sieve or fine-mesh strainer to press the pineapple, squeezing out as much juice as possible. This step is key because if the pineapple is too wet, the dough will become soggy and won’t bake properly.
Once the pineapple is ready, sprinkle it evenly over the ham. The sweet, tangy pineapple pairs perfectly with the savory ham, making these ham and pineapple pinwheels absolutely irresistible!
Step 4: Assemble the Pinwheels
Sprinkle the pineapple on top of the ham. Now roll the ham and pineapple pinwheels tightly from left to right. You should have a short, fat log of dough.
Step 5: Slice and Bake
Cut the log into 7 or 8 equally measured pinwheels and place them in a greased pie tin.
Bake the ham and pineapple pinwheels at 400 degrees for about 25-30 minutes. If you have a dark pie tin like mine, you’ll need a little extra baking time. The ham and pineapple pinwheels should be nicely browned on the tops and edges but soft and chewy on the inside.
Step 6: Make Extra!
Now, let me be honest. Making one pan of these ham and pineapple pinwheels is pointless. I have to make a minimum of two batches for my hungry crew. But it doesn’t bother me because they make great leftovers and snacks the next day.
Perfect for Parties or Quick Meals
Ham and pineapple pinwheels can be done up to look fancy for a party, but at their root, they are down-home, finger-licking good food that everyone wants more of. I mean, seriously, could you walk by these at a buffet table?
If so, props to you because you have way more control than I do! If you need other quick dinner ideas, you’d probably like to check out my 30-minute meals. Or if it’s party food you’re after, follow my Pretty Potluck Food and A+ Appetizers boards on Pinterest. Happy cooking, y’all!
Ham and Pineapple Pinwheels
Ingredients
Method
- Unroll the crescent dough, press the perforations closed and roll it into a large rectangle. Cover generously with mozzarella.
- Spread the diced ham evenly over the cheese.
- Drain the pineapple in a sieve, pressing out as much juice as possible so the dough does not get soggy. Sprinkle it over the ham.
- Roll the dough up tightly from one short side into a fat log.
- Cut into 7-8 equal pinwheels and place in a greased pie tin. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until nicely browned (a dark tin may need a few extra minutes).
