Easy Ham and Pineapple Hawaiian Pinwheels
Looking for the perfect party bite? These Hawaiian Pinwheels are sweet, savory, and gone in seconds! With creamy cheese, juicy pineapple, and smoky ham all rolled into one irresistible swirl, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
These Hawaiian Pinwheels are my go-to when I’m craving something sweet, savory, and totally snackable. They’re creamy, fruity, and a little bit salty—basically the ultimate party bite!
I love how the juicy crushed pineapple pairs beautifully with creamy cream cheese and smoky ham for a tropical-inspired treat that’s always a hit. Plus, they are ridiculously easy to make—just roll everything in a tortilla, chill, slice, and serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet + Savory Combo! Creamy, fruity, and salty in every bite.
- Perfect for Parties. Great for holidays, potlucks, showers, and game day snacks.
- Quick and Easy. Just 15 minutes of prep—no cooking required!
Ingredients Needed
These crowd-pleasing pinwheels look party-perfect but come together with just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need. Be sure to check the recipe card below for exact amounts and step-by-step instructions.
- Flour Tortillas – Use large, soft flour tortillas so they roll easily without cracking. Burrito-size works best for creating neat, sliceable pinwheels.
- Cream Cheese – Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy spreading. The creamy base helps everything stick together and adds a rich texture.
- Crushed Pineapple – Adds a burst of sweet, tropical flavor. Be sure to drain it well—excess moisture can make the pinwheels soggy.
- Sliced Ham – Thin-sliced deli ham works perfectly here. It adds a savory, slightly smoky contrast to the sweet pineapple and creamy cheese.
How to Make Hawaiian Pinwheels
No need to stress—these tasty pinwheels are easier than they look and come together in just a few quick steps. You’ll find the full printable instructions in the recipe card below.
- Prep. Make sure your cream cheese is softened and your crushed pineapple is well drained (press out excess moisture with a spoon or paper towel).
- Spread one-quarter of the cream cheese over each tortilla in a thin, even layer.
- Top with one-quarter of the crushed pineapple, then layer with sliced ham.
- Roll each tortilla up tightly into a log shape.
- Wrap the rolls in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow them to firm up.
- Unwrap the chilled rolls, trim off the ends (chef’s snack!), and slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels using a serrated knife.
- Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Drain Pineapple Well – Excess liquid can make the pinwheels soggy.
- Use Room-Temp Cream Cheese – This makes spreading much easier and avoids tearing the tortillas.
- Chill Before Slicing – Helps everything hold together neatly when cutting.
- Switch It Up – Try using honey ham, turkey, or even adding shredded cheddar for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Hawaiian Pinwheels are perfect for just about any occasion—serve them at birthday parties, potlucks, baby showers, or casual get-togethers. They’re great on appetizer trays, picnic spreads, or even as a fun lunchbox addition.
For a festive touch, add toothpicks with tropical toppers or colorful cocktail picks. Pair them with a fruity punch, lemonade, or a piña colada-style mocktail to really play up the tropical vibes.
And if you’re hosting a party, arranging them on a bright platter or tiered stand makes them look extra special with minimal effort.
How to Store
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended—tortillas and cream cheese don’t thaw well after freezing.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prep them the night before. Just keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and slice before serving.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Sure! Just make sure it’s finely chopped and drained of any extra juice to avoid sogginess.
Are these kid-friendly? Absolutely! They’re mild, fun to eat, and easy for little hands to grab.
And that’s it! These Hawaiian Pinwheels are the no-stress appetizer that looks impressive but comes together so easily. Whether you’re making them for a summer party, potluck, or after-school snack, they’re sure to be a hit!
More Tasty Pinwheel Recipes
Hawaiian Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas burrito-size
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple, well drained
- 9 oz thin-sliced ham lunch meat
Instructions
- Spread one-quarter of the softened cream cheese evenly over each tortilla.
- Top with one-quarter of the crushed pineapple, spreading it over the cream cheese layer.
- Layer the ham slices evenly on top of the pineapple.
- Roll each tortilla up tightly into a log.
- Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Unwrap the chilled tortillas and slice into 1-inch pinwheels using a serrated knife. Discard the ends (or enjoy them as a chef’s treat!).
- Arrange on a serving platter and serve chilled.
Notes
- Drain the pineapple well to prevent soggy pinwheels—press with a spoon or paper towel if needed.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easy spreading and a smooth texture.
- Perfect for making a day in advance—just slice before serving!
