Effortless Spiral Delights: Pesto Pinwheels Recipe For All

Crisp golden appetizers with pesto magic can turn any gathering into a delightful culinary celebration.

These delectable pesto pinwheels blend creamy cheese and vibrant herbs in a stunning spiral of flavor.

The irresistible combination creates a perfect bite-sized treat that disappears quickly from party platters.

Each pinwheel promises a burst of savory goodness with minimal effort.

Layers of soft pastry wrap around rich, aromatic pesto for a crowd-pleasing snack.

Elegant yet simple, these pinwheels elevate casual entertaining with their sophisticated presentation.

You’ll want to make extra – trust me, these will vanish in minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes Into Pesto Pinwheels Recipe

• Puff Pastry: Lightweight, buttery foundation that creates flaky layers and golden crispness when baked.
• Flour: Prevents sticking during pastry rolling and ensures smooth preparation surface.

• Pesto: Vibrant green sauce bringing herbaceous basil and rich garlic notes to the pinwheels.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully and adds soft texture.
• Pine Nuts: Crunchy, buttery nuts providing delightful nutty undertones and textural contrast.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy ingredient that introduces subtle heat and complexity.

• Egg: Creates glossy, golden-brown surface when whisked and brushed on pastry.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances other ingredients.

Tools For Rolling Pesto Pinwheels Recipe

• Rolling Pin: Essential for evenly rolling out the puff pastry without sticking.
• Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy pinwheel baking and cleanup.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for slicing the pastry log into even pinwheel rounds.
• Pastry Brush: Used to apply egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for rolling and preparing the pastry.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for spreading an even layer of pesto.

Steps To Bake Pesto Pinwheels Recipe Crispy

• Prep the Pastry Swirls

Grab your puff pastry and dust your countertop with a light sprinkle of flour. Unroll the delicate dough and spread a generous layer of vibrant green pesto across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Scatter mozzarella cheese and pine nuts or red pepper flakes for an extra flavor punch.

• Create the Spiral Roll

Carefully roll the pastry into a tight log, starting from the longer side. Pop the log into the freezer for a quick 10-15 minute chill to make slicing a breeze. Slice the chilled log into perfect pinwheel rounds and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the tops of your pinwheels with a silky egg wash to create a beautiful golden shine. Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 375F (190C) oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the pinwheels are puffed up and sporting a gorgeous golden-brown color. Let them rest for a quick 5 minutes, then serve these crispy, flavor-packed treats while they’re still warm and irresistible.

Tips To Twist Up Pesto Pinwheels Recipe

• Flavor Boosting Tricks: Swap classic basil pesto for sun-dried tomato or roasted red pepper pesto to create exciting new taste profiles.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pinwheel log up to 2 days ahead and store wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator, slicing and baking just before serving for maximum freshness.
• Diet-Friendly Swaps: Create gluten-free versions using gluten-free puff pastry, or make low-carb alternatives by substituting the pastry with thin zucchini slices or large lettuce leaves.
• Cheese Lover's Twist: Experiment with different cheese combinations like goat cheese, parmesan, or fontina to elevate the pinwheels' flavor complexity and add personal flair.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Enhance the nutritional value by adding chopped spinach, roasted vegetables, or crumbled tofu inside the pinwheels for extra substance and protein.

Serve Pesto Pinwheels Recipe Hot And Tasty

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these pinwheels on a beautiful wooden board with fresh basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, and small olives for a stunning appetizer spread that'll impress guests.
• Dipping Delights: Serve alongside marinara sauce, herbed aioli, or balsamic reduction for extra flavor punch that complements the pesto's richness and adds interactive eating experience.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Match these pinwheels with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which beautifully cut through the cheese's creaminess and enhance the herbal pesto notes.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform these pinwheels into a weekend brunch star by placing them next to scrambled eggs, fresh fruit salad, and creating a casual, elegant morning meal centerpiece.

Store Pesto Pinwheels Recipe Properly

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool them completely before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain crispy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pinwheel log and slice it, then freeze uncooked rounds on a baking sheet. Transfer frozen rounds to a freezer bag for storage up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Reheating Brilliance: Warm refrigerated or frozen pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to keep pastry crisp and prevent sogginess. Use a toaster oven for small batches to restore original crunchiness.
• Temperature Wisdom: Keep pinwheels at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. Always refrigerate within this timeframe to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety standards. Serve immediately after baking for optimal flavor and texture.

Crispy Pesto Pinwheels Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Savory pesto pinwheels combine Italian herbs and creamy cheese in a delightful spiral appetizer. Crisp pastry and zesty basil create an irresistible snack perfect for parties where guests will devour these elegant bites.

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Ingredients

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• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• ¼ cup (59 ml / 2 fl oz) basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ cup (50 grams / 1.75 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese (or Parmesan)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp (15 grams / 0.5 oz) pine nuts (optional, for crunch)
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml / 0.08 fl oz) red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating an ideal baking environment.
2. Pastry Arrangement: Unfold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, transforming it into a culinary canvas ready for artistic assembly.
3. Flavor Layering: Spread pesto across the pastry, maintaining a slender border to prevent seepage, then generously distribute mozzarella cheese and optional pine nuts or red pepper flakes for textural complexity.
4. Rolling Technique: Carefully roll the pastry from the longer side, crafting a compact log that envelops the aromatic ingredients in a harmonious embrace.
5. Chilling and Slicing: Briefly freeze the log for 10-15 minutes to facilitate precision cutting, then slice into uniform 1/2-inch rounds and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Finishing Touches: Gently brush pinwheel tops with egg wash, ensuring a lustrous golden-brown exterior that promises visual and gustatory delight.
7. Baking Process: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, monitoring until the pastry achieves a perfectly puffed and bronzed appearance.
8. Serving: Allow pinwheels to rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm, inviting immediate enjoyment of this delectable culinary creation.

Notes

• Chill Pastry Wisely: Freezing the rolled log for 10-15 minutes helps create cleaner, more uniform slices without pastry crumbling or losing shape.
• Prevent Pesto Overflow: Leave a small margin around pastry edges when spreading pesto to avoid messy leakage during baking.
• Customize Flavor Boost: Experiment with different cheese varieties like parmesan or swap pine nuts with chopped almonds for unique taste profiles.
• Perfect Golden Finish: Use egg wash generously and evenly to achieve a beautiful, glossy bronzed exterior that enhances visual appeal and adds subtle richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg