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Fluffy Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Rolls

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These fluffy ham and cheese pinwheel rolls are soft, pillowy, and perfect for Easter brunch or any cozy gathering. Made with simple ingredients, they deliver a comforting homemade charm with a savory ham and melty cheese filling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 8 ounces (225g) thinly sliced deli ham
  • 1 ½ cups (about 170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
  • Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and activated yeast mixture. Mix until rough dough forms. Knead by hand or with dough hook until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm spot until doubled, 1 to 1 ½ hours.
  4. Prepare filling: Mix softened cream cheese with Dijon mustard until smooth. Shred cheese and slice ham if needed.
  5. Roll out dough: Punch down dough and roll on floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle.
  6. Assemble pinwheels: Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over dough, leaving border. Layer ham slices, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Roll and slice: Roll dough tightly into a log from long edge. Pinch seam to seal. Slice into 12 equal pieces about 1 ½ inches thick.
  8. Second rise: Arrange pinwheels cut-side up on parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise until puffed, 30-40 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) while rolls rise.
  10. Apply egg wash and bake: Brush tops with egg wash, sprinkle seeds if using. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden and cheese is bubbly.
  11. Cool and serve: Let rolls cool slightly on wire rack before serving warm.

Notes

If dough feels sticky during rolling, sprinkle a bit more flour but not too much to avoid dense rolls. Use unflavored dental floss for cleaner slicing without squashing dough. Watch baking time closely to get golden but soft rolls. Dough loves warmth and humidity for proofing; placing bowl in turned-off oven with hot water cup helps. Rolls keep well for 2 days at room temperature or freeze after baking for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and cheese pinwheel rolls, Easter brunch, easy pinwheel rolls, homemade rolls, cheesy rolls, savory brunch recipe

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/fluffy-ham-and-cheese-pinwheel-rolls-easy-recipe-for-easter-brunch-ideas/