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I've gotta tell you about my crowd-pleasing snack that always gets people talking - ham and pineapple spirals. Picture this: tangy pineapple, smoky ham, and smooth cheese all tucked inside buttery crescent pastry. They show up at everything from my backyard hangouts to our rushed weeknight meals.
Why Folks Can't Stop Eating These
These treats stand out from regular finger foods. When those sweet-savory flavors meet that soft, flaky crust, magic happens. Everyone bugs me for how to make them and can't believe they're actually so easy to whip up.
Grab These Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: Take it out early so it gets soft and mixes without lumps.
- Ham: Chop it into tiny bits for better texture in each bite.
- Pineapple: Drain it super well or you'll end up with mushy results.
- Scallions: Cut a few into thin slices for that gentle onion flavor.
- Spicy Mustard: Brings a nice heat that works against the pineapple's sweetness.
- Garlic: Freshly chopped makes a huge difference in taste.
- Crescent Dough: Our trusty shortcut for that amazing flaky texture.
- Parsley: Toss some on top to make them look extra nice.
Creating Your Tasty Spirals
- Stir Everything Together
- Mix your soft cream cheese with ham, pineapple, scallions, mustard and garlic until everything looks evenly combined.
- Spread It Out
- Lay your dough flat and cover with your tasty mixture. Keep the edges clear so stuff doesn't ooze out later.
- Roll and Cut
- Start from the longer side and roll it all up firmly. Seal those edges well, then cut into 12 even spirals.
- Pop Them In
- Bake at 375°F for around 15 minutes till they turn nice and golden. Let them sit briefly before you serve them up.
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My Game-Changing Trick
Don't skip this part: really get that pineapple dry. I push it against a strainer and sometimes even dab it with paper towels. This one step keeps your spirals crisp instead of turning into a soggy mess.
Try Different Cheeses
Cream cheese works great, but don't be afraid to throw in some grated cheddar or mozzarella. Each type brings something new to these little bites.
Great Pairings
These spirals taste awesome next to a green salad or some crunchy raw veggies. When I'm hosting, I put out small bowls of honey mustard or ranch for guests to dunk them in.
Storing Extras
Got some left? Put them in a sealed container in the fridge. They'll stay good about three days. Just heat them up in your oven a couple minutes to bring back that nice crunch.
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Prep Before Your Party
When company's coming, I make these a day early. Just roll them up, slice them, and stick them in the fridge until baking time. Saves me tons of stress when I'm running around getting other stuff done.
Switch Up The Filling
Don't be afraid to play around with what goes inside. Sometimes I swap turkey for ham, try new cheese combos, or add different seasonings. You can't really go wrong here.
School Lunch Stars
My kids absolutely love finding these in their lunch boxes. They pack well, don't fall apart, and aren't sloppy to eat. They beat boring sandwiches any day of the week.
Eye-Catching Arrangement
I like to set these out in a ring shape on my favorite serving plate with fresh parsley scattered around. They look so fancy nobody would guess how simple they were to make.
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Satisfying Every Taste
Each spiral gives you everything you want - protein, carbs and tons of flavor in one neat package. If I'm watching calories, I just use reduced-fat cream cheese and they turn out great.
No Gluten? No Problem
My friends who avoid gluten can still enjoy these. Just grab some gluten-free crescent dough at the store. The taste comes out just right.
Hands-Down Best Finger Food
I always bring these to gatherings because they're so convenient. No need for forks or plates. Just grab one and keep mingling.
Little Touch of Fancy
Try sprinkling some chopped herbs or grated parmesan on top just before serving. These tiny additions really make them look much more impressive.
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Family Cooking Adventure
My kitchen turns into laugh central when the kids help make these. They have a blast rolling the dough and spreading filling everywhere. Yes, it gets messy but it's worth it.
Crowd Pleaser on Game Day
These always show up when we're watching sports. They fill people up nicely and nobody needs to look away from the TV to eat them.
Sauces Worth Trying
I love putting out different things to dip these in. Sweet chili sauce, creamy garlic, or spicy mustard each brings something special to the party.
Quick But Impressive
These spirals come together fast but look like you spent ages making them. Just what you need when you want something that seems fancy without sweating in the kitchen all day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why should the pineapple be drained?
Extra juice from the pineapple can soak the dough and ruin the crispiness. Make sure it's well-drained for the best results.
- → Can these rolls be prepped early?
Pre-mix the filling if needed, but save rolling and baking for right before serving to keep them fresh and flaky.
- → Why leave an empty edge on the dough?
Keeping a border helps seal the roll tightly, so the filling doesn’t spill out while baking.
- → How can slices be cut evenly?
Mark the log into equal parts first. A sharp knife with clean cuts will give you uniform pieces.
- → Why wait before eating?
Cooling down for 10 minutes allows the filling to firm up, making handling easier and preventing burns.
Conclusion
Simple, flaky rolls combining salty ham with sweet pineapple in a cheesy filling. Prep in minutes, bake golden, and enjoy fresh at your gathering.