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Easy Ham and Cheese Sushi Pinwheels: Best 5-Minute Lunch

ham and cheese sushi pinwheels - featured image

These easy ham and cheese sushi pinwheels are a quick, no-cook lunch made with tortillas, cream cheese, ham, and cheese. Ready in 5 minutes, they’re perfect for busy mornings, school lunches, or lazy afternoons.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 8 slices deli ham
  • 8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or fresh spinach (optional)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper or cucumber (optional)
  • Fresh herbs like basil or dill (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soften cream cheese: Remove from fridge 30 minutes before starting, or microwave on low for 10-15 seconds until spreadable but not melted.
  2. Prepare tortillas: Lay one tortilla flat on a cutting board. If cold, microwave for 10 seconds to make pliable.
  3. Spread cream cheese: Using a butter knife or offset spatula, spread a thin, even layer of cream cheese over the entire surface of the tortilla, going all the way to the edges.
  4. Layer ham: Place 2 slices of ham flat on the cream cheese, slightly overlapping if needed, covering the surface evenly.
  5. Add cheese: Place 2 slices of provolone or Swiss cheese on top of the ham, covering the surface evenly.
  6. Add optional fillings: If using, sprinkle lettuce, spinach, peppers, or herbs evenly over the cheese.
  7. Roll tightly: Starting at one edge, roll the tortilla tightly toward the opposite edge, using fingers to keep the roll snug. Press gently to seal the seam.
  8. Wrap in plastic: Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down on plastic wrap, wrap tightly, and twist the ends like a candy wrapper.
  9. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or 15 minutes in the freezer) to firm up the cream cheese.
  10. Slice: Unwrap the chilled roll and slice into 1-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife with a gentle sawing motion. Wipe knife clean between cuts.
  11. Serve: Arrange pinwheels cut-side up on a plate. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Notes

For cleanest slices, chill the roll for a full 30 minutes. Use a gentle sawing motion when slicing. Pat all ingredients dry to prevent sogginess. The pinwheels taste better after sitting in the fridge for an hour or two.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and cheese pinwheels, sushi pinwheels, easy lunch, no-cook lunch, kid-friendly, 5-minute recipe, tortilla roll-ups