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Easy Ham and Cheese Lunchbox Roll-Ups: 5-Minute Kid-Approved Recipe

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These easy ham and cheese lunchbox roll-ups are a quick, kid-approved recipe that comes together in just 5 minutes. Perfect for busy mornings, they feature ham, cheese, and cream cheese rolled in a flour tortilla and sliced into pinwheels.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 flour tortillas (8-inch)
  • 8 slices deli-style ham (thinly sliced)
  • 8 slices cheese (cheddar, provolone, or Swiss)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons honey mustard or Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 4 lettuce leaves (optional)
  • Toothpicks for securing (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of the fridge 10 minutes before starting, or microwave for 10-15 seconds until soft but not melted.
  2. Lay out a tortilla: Place one flour 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 tortilla, leaving a half-inch border.
  4. Add mustard (optional): Spread a thin layer of honey mustard or Dijon over the cream cheese.
  5. Layer ham: Place 2-3 slices of ham flat on the tortilla, overlapping slightly, covering evenly without piling too high.
  6. Add cheese: Lay 1-2 slices of cheese on top of the ham. If using lettuce, place a leaf on top now.
  7. Roll tightly: Starting at one edge, roll the tortilla as tightly as possible without tearing, tucking in filling as you go. Place seam-side down.
  8. Wrap in plastic wrap: Wrap the rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure. This helps hold shape for cleaner slicing.
  9. Refrigerate (optional but recommended): Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to firm up the cream cheese for easier slicing.
  10. Slice into pinwheels: Using a serrated knife, slice the roll into 1-inch rounds with a gentle sawing motion. You should get about 6-8 pinwheels per tortilla.
  11. Secure with toothpicks (optional): Insert a toothpick through each pinwheel to prevent unraveling when packing for lunch. Remove before serving to young children.
  12. Pack and serve: Arrange pinwheels in a lunchbox container, layering with parchment paper if stacking.

Notes

Warm tortillas for 10 seconds in the microwave to prevent cracking. Don’t overstuff—2 slices of ham and 1 slice of cheese is ideal. For best results, chill before slicing. These roll-ups taste even better the next day as flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze whole rolls for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and cheese roll-ups, lunchbox ideas, kid-friendly lunch, easy lunch recipe, 5-minute recipe, pinwheel sandwiches

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/easy-ham-and-cheese-lunchbox-roll-ups-5-minute-kid-approved-recipe/