These Black Forest Ham Pinwheels will quickly become your new go-to appetizer recipe. Freshly sliced ham is layered with seasoned cream cheese, dried cherries, green onions, swiss cheese, and just a drizzle of honey to create a flavor combination that’s nearly impossible to resist.

black forest ham pinwheels on a platter.

I need another pinwheel recipe on this blog like I need a hole in the head. Ha! Nevertheless, I could not resist making and sharing these ham pinwheels.

If I’m being honest (and don’t tell the others), these might be the best pinwheels I’ve ever made. Considering all of the pinwheel recipes I’ve posted, that’s saying something!

You need to give these a try ASAP!

There’s some debate on whether you call these pinwheels or roll-ups. I haven’t been able to figure out the difference, but no matter what you call them, there’s no denying that these flavor-packed swirly bites have become party classics.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 How To Make

4 Recipes Notes

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 More Pinwheel Recipes You May Enjoy

7 Black Forest Ham Pinwheels

Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

Quick and simple to make. As with most pinwheel recipes, these are quick and easy to make. You can put these together in about 10 minutes with minimal food prep skills.
Layered with delicious flavors. I wanted to layer on the flavors with this particular recipe and I think I’ve succeeded. Everything works wonderfully together to create a really delicious bite.
Can be made in advance. Not every pinwheel recipe can be made in advance, but with this recipe, it’s possible. In fact, after making these, I had leftovers for lunch the next two days and they were just as good!
Perfect for any season or celebration. As much as I love a seasonally inspired recipe, I also love ones that work no matter what the occasion. You can serve these black forest ham pinwheels any time of the year and they will be a winner.

Ingredients

Ready to make these black forest ham pinwheels? Here’s what you’ll need:

cream cheese – Cream cheese is a classic when it comes to pinwheels. It not only adds a tangy creaminess, but it also helps to hold everything together.
fresh dill – I love the fresh dill in this recipe. In fact, besides mixing it into the cream cheese, I sprinkled a bit more on top before rolling up the pinwheels. So good!
lemon juice – Lemon juice adds a bit of freshness to this recipe.
garlic powder – A little added seasoning with garlic powder helps the cream cheese come alive.
dijon mustard – Again, I really wanted to add to the depth of flavor here. Plus, mustard goes well with ham.
honey – A little drizzle of honey adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
dried cherries – Chopped dried cherries complement the ham and cheese wonderfully.
green onions – I like adding an element of green and freshness to a pinwheel recipe. Green onions are a great choice here.
flour tortillas – You can use whatever flavor you’d like. As you can see, I used a combination of plain flour and spinach tortillas.
deli black forest ham – Freshly sliced is always best, but I have also used the pre-packaged deli ham and it works just as nicely.
swiss cheese – Thinly sliced is recommended here. It makes it easier to roll, but the regular thickness will work too.

How To Make

I’ll walk you through the steps for making these black forest ham pinwheels here. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with the dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, and dijon mustard.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the tortillas. Drizzle lightly with honey. Sprinkle with dried cherries and chopped green onion. (If there is any extra fresh dill, sprinkle lightly over the top.)

cream cheese and honey on flour tortillas.

hand adding dried cherries to ham pinwheels.

Add a single layer of black forest ham followed by a single layer of swiss cheese.
Roll up tightly. Transfer to a plate, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Once chilled, slice into pieces and arrange on a platter for serving.

Serve and enjoy! You are going to love these!

close up of black forest ham pinwheels on a platter.

Recipes Notes

Can these be made in advance?

Yes! Feel free to make them up to 24 hours in advance. Once cut and arranged on a plate, wrap them in plastic and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different tortilla?

Use any type of tortilla you like for your pinwheel recipes. I often use whole-wheat tortillas for my pinwheels.

Do these need to be refrigerated before cutting?

I recommend it. This allows them to firm up, resulting in a prettier presentation once sliced.

Are there other types of pinwheels you recommend?

Yes. I have a post dedicated to all of my favorite pinwheel recipes. Also, I encourage you to get creative! Turn your favorite recipe into a delicious pinwheel appetizer. Some examples include Reuben pinwheels, Greek salad pinwheels, jalapeño popper pinwheels, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making them ahead of time can enhance the flavors as they meld together beautifully. Just wrap them tightly and refrigerate. They’re perfect for meal prep or getting a head start on party preparations.

What can I use instead of Black Forest ham?

Feel free to get creative! You can substitute with other deli meats like turkey or roast beef. The key is to choose a meat that complements the creamy and tangy flavors of the other ingredients.

Can I use different kinds of cheese?

Of course! While Swiss cheese pairs wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.

How do I keep my pinwheels from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, ensure your fillings, especially the cream cheese, are not too wet. Also, don’t overdo the honey or lemon juice. Chilling the pinwheels before serving also helps keep everything firm.

Any tips for cutting the pinwheels neatly?

A sharp knife is key! Chill the rolled tortillas before slicing, as it helps them hold their shape better. Using a serrated knife can also give you cleaner cuts.

More Pinwheel Recipes You May Enjoy

I hope you’ll try rolling up these ham pinwheels. I think you’re going to love them! If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

Want more from Inspired by Charm? Join the IBC Mailing List for inspiration in your inbox! Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!