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Easy Ham and Cheese Pinwheels: Best School Lunch Idea

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These easy ham and cheese pinwheels are the perfect school lunch idea, made with a creamy ranch-cheddar filling, deli ham, and soft tortillas. They come together in under 15 minutes and are a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (8-inch) flour tortillas
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 pound deli ham, thinly sliced
  • 1 packet (about 1 tablespoon) ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
  • 1/4 cup finely diced bell pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of the fridge about 20 minutes before starting, or microwave in a bowl for 10-15 seconds until soft but not melted.
  2. Make the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and ranch seasoning. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until light, fluffy, and fully combined. If using, fold in green onions and bell pepper.
  3. Prepare your work surface: Lay a flour tortilla flat on a cutting board. Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge.
  4. Layer the ham: Place 2-3 slices of deli ham over the cream cheese mixture, overlapping slightly to cover the tortilla.
  5. Roll it up tight: Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla into a tight log, tucking the edge slightly to keep it compact. Place seam-side down.
  6. Wrap and chill: Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down on a piece of plastic wrap, wrap tightly, twisting the ends. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (1 hour is better, or overnight).
  7. Slice into pinwheels: Unwrap one roll at a time. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice into 1-inch pieces using a gentle sawing motion. You should get about 8-10 pinwheels per tortilla.
  8. Arrange and serve: Place pinwheels cut-side up on a plate or in a lunchbox. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and chill the rolls for at least 30 minutes before slicing. If tortillas crack, warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds between damp paper towels. Uncut rolls can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days; sliced pinwheels are best within 2-3 days. Freeze uncut rolls for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and cheese pinwheels, school lunch ideas, easy lunch recipe, pinwheel sandwiches, cream cheese roll-ups, kid-friendly lunch, make-ahead lunch

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/easy-ham-and-cheese-pinwheels-best-school-lunch-idea/