Ham Rice Pinwheels

Prep: 20 min Serves: 32 Cuisine: American

Ham Rice Pinwheels are flavorful appetizers featuring creamy rice and olive filling rolled in ham slices, perfect for entertaining or quick snacks for any occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 2 (3 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 6 tablespoons olives, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons onion, grated
  • 1.5 teaspoons horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 8 thin slices boiled ham or from the deli

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, cream the cheese until fluffy.
  2. Add cooked rice, chopped olives, grated onion, horseradish, pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Blend well.
  4. Spread each ham slice with 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture.
  5. Roll each slice tightly.
  6. Skewer each roll with a toothpick.
  7. Cover and chill for several hours.
  8. Just before serving, cut into 1-inch slices.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier filling, consider using flavored cream cheese like chive or garlic. If you want a bit of a kick, add some diced jalapeños to the mixture. You can substitute the ham with turkey or a vegetarian option like roasted bell peppers for a twist. Make sure to chill the pinwheels adequately to firm them up, which makes slicing easier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these ham rice pinwheels as an appetizer or a party snack. They pair beautifully with a fresh vegetable platter or a light salad, such as a mixed greens salad with vinaigrette. For a complete meal, consider serving with Broccoli And Cheese Rice for a delightful combination.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave them for a few seconds, but they are best enjoyed cold. If you plan to serve them later, slice them just before serving to maintain freshness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ham Rice Pinwheels contains roughly 37 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.

37 kcal 2% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.6g 1% DV
Total Fat 2g 3% DV
Carbs 4.5g 2% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 1.5g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 104.7mg 5% DV
Potassium 41.6mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 2.5mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1.7mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 9.5mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, these pinwheels can be made a day in advance. After assembling, cover them tightly and refrigerate. They will taste even better after the flavors meld together. Just slice them right before serving for freshness.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute. Both options will provide a similar creamy texture while adding a different flavor profile to the pinwheels.

Are there any good vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace the ham with slices of cucumber or roasted bell peppers. For the filling, consider using hummus or a mix of mashed avocado and beans for a tasty vegetarian option that still packs flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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