Ham and Cheese Sourdough Pinwheels Recipe

Ham and Cheese Sourdough Pinwheels on a cutting board

Ham and Cheese Sourdough Pinwheels Recipe

Yield: rolls

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 40

Rise Time: 9

Total Time: 10 10

Imagine a soft, pillowy sourdough base rolled out and loaded up with layers of thinly sliced honey ham and sharp cheddar. Ham and Cheese Sourdough Pinwheels are a flavor party in every bite! Make as an easy weeknight meal or appetizer for New Year's Eve or game day!

5 from 1 vote

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Equipment

Ingredients

Sourdough Pinwheel Dough

100 grams active sourdough starter 1/2 cup
180 grams milk, warm 3/4 cup
40 grams sugar 3 Tablespoons
57 grams unsalted butter, melted 4 Tablespoons
6 grams salt 1 teaspoon
1 large egg room temperature
300-350 grams bread flour 2 1/2 - 3 cups

Fillings

42 grams unsalted butter, room temperature 3 Tablespoons
11 slices honey ham
11 slices cheddar cheese or 2 cups shredded

Topping

57 grams unsalted butter, melted 4 Tablespoons
1 gram garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon
.5 grams dried parsley 1/2 teaspoon
pinch of salt

Instructions

DOUGH

Add the active starter, sugar, and warm milk to the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Be sure that the milk isn’t hotter than 110 degrees F – this could kill the starter and prevent the dough from rising.
This can be mixed and kneaded by hand. Increase the need time to 10-15 minutes, or until it passes the windowpane test.
100 grams active sourdough starter, 180 grams milk, warm, 40 grams sugar
Mix on low speed until the ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
To the bowl, add the melted butter, salt, and egg. Mix on low until fully combined.
57 grams unsalted butter, melted, 6 grams salt, 1 large egg
Switch the paddle attachment with the dough hook attachment. Then, mix 140 grams (1 cup) of flour at a time (300-350 grams total), and mix on medium until incorporated. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula between each flour addition to incorporate all the dry ingredients. The dough will have enough flour when the dough is pulling away from the sides of the bowl and when the dough feels tacky, not sticky when you poke it.
Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the dough dense.
300-350 grams bread flour
Continue to knead the dough in the stand mixer for 5 minutes at medium speed.
Place the dough in a greased straight-edge bowl and cover with the plastic cover or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm spot to rise until it has doubled in size.
In my 70 degree F kitchen this took about 6-7 hours. The rise times can vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen. The warmer your kitchen, the faster the dough will rise. The opposite is true for cooler kitchens.
*See Notes below for Make-ahead options*

SHAPE

Once the dough has doubled in size, remove the dough onto a lightly floured surface. With a rolling pin, shape the dough into a large rectangular shape (16in x 12in).
Spread the softened butter over the entire surface of the dough. Then layer the cheese and top with the ham slices, leaving a little space on the edges without any toppings.
42 grams unsalted butter, room temperature, 11 slices honey ham, 11 slices cheddar cheese or 2 cups shredded
Starting at the long side closest to you, roll up the homemade sourdough pinwheels into a tight log. Cut off the uneven edges, then divide into 12-16 (depending on how many rolls you would like) equal pieces with unflavored dental floss, string, or a sharp knife.
Grease a 9×13 baking dish or large cast iron skillet with butter before gently placing the Sourdough Pinwheels inside.
Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for a second time until they have noticeably grown and look puffy. This took about 3-4 hours in my 70 degree F kitchen.
Not ready to bake these in the same day? No worries! Find Make-Ahead options in the Notes section.

BAKE

In a small mixing bowl, add the melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and salt. Generously brush the butter mixture on top of the Sourdough Pinwheels with a pastry brush.
57 grams unsalted butter, melted, 1 gram garlic powder, .5 grams dried parsley, pinch of salt
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bake the Ham and Cheese Sourdough Pinwheels for 40-45 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the internal temperature is 190-200 degrees F.
If the rolls are getting to brown before being cooked, cover with a piece of aluminum foil.
Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool slightly. Enjoy!

Notes

This recipe card was updated on March 1st, 2026.

MAKE AHEAD

If you are looking to prepare these Sourdough Pinwheels the night before and pop them into the oven the next morning for a savory breakfast idea or the following day for dinner– here are some tips!

Option 1: Prepare the dough and once it has doubled in size, cover the bowl and chill in the fridge overnight. The following morning, shape the rolls and allow them to rise and get fluffy in a warm place before baking as normal. Since the dough is cool from the fridge, the second rise will take longer to complete.

Option 2: Prepare the dough and shape the pinwheels the night before, then pop the covered baking dish into the fridge overnight. Pull out the unbaked rolls to allow them to rise and get fluffy in a warm place. Then bake as normal. In my 70 degree F kitchen this took about 3-4 hours.

How to Serve

Savory Sourdough Pinwheels can be served as an easy meal during a busy week or as a satisfying appetizer for all your festivities.

As a main course, this cheese roll is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite soup or side salad. Dip in mustard for extra flavor!

As an appetizer, serve on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce like honey mustard, spicy brown mustard, or cheese sauce.

How to Store

Store leftover Sourdough Pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

To reheat, place a pinwheel on a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper and bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes, or until reheated through.

FAQs:

Can I use different sliced meat or cheese?

Absolutely! This recipe is 100% customizable. Sliced turkey or roast beef would be delicious alternatives. Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or Pepper Jack for more of a kick. Just make sure to select cheeses that will melt easily.

You could also add a variety of vegetables like caramelized onions, cooked spinach, or cooked peppers.

Nutrition

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