Name: Cheesy Pesto Pinwheels: The Perfect Appetizer for Every Occasion
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry: Puff pastry is the secret to the irresistible flakiness of these pinwheels. It’s light, buttery, and crispy when baked, providing the ideal contrast to the creamy filling. The convenience of using store-bought puff pastry cuts down the prep time dramatically, but you can always opt for homemade if you prefer.; 1 tbsp olive oil: The olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and spinach, infusing the filling with a rich, savory base. It also helps to soften the spinach, making it easier to incorporate into the other ingredients.; 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds depth and aromatic richness to the filling, complementing the cheese and pesto. Its subtle heat when sautéed helps bring out the natural sweetness of the spinach.; 6 oz fresh spinach, large stems removed: Fresh spinach is the leafy green star of the pinwheels. It provides a burst of color and nutrition and balances out the richness of the cheese and pesto. Spinach wilts down during cooking, allowing you to incorporate it easily into the pastry without overwhelming the dish.; Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper: These seasonings enhance all of the flavors in the pinwheels. Salt brings out the sweetness of the spinach and pesto, while freshly cracked black pepper adds just the right amount of spice and warmth.; 1/2 cup pesto: Pesto is the hero ingredient in this recipe. It brings a vibrant green color and adds an herby, garlicky, and nutty flavor. The combination of basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan creates a depth of flavor that beautifully complements the cheese and spinach. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto, for a unique twist.; 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded cheese: A combination of white cheddar and gouda provides the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess. Gouda adds a mild, smoky undertone, while cheddar gives a sharp tanginess. Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly and smoothly compared to pre-shredded cheese, so it’s worth taking the extra time.; 1/2 cup green onions, finely sliced (white and light green parts only): Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. They also provide a pop of color that makes the pinwheels look visually appealing.

Ingredients

Scale

1 sheet puff pastry: Puff pastry is the secret to the irresistible flakiness of these pinwheels. It’s light, buttery, and crispy when baked, providing the ideal contrast to the creamy filling. The convenience of using store-bought puff pastry cuts down the prep time dramatically, but you can always opt for homemade if you prefer.
1 tbsp olive oil: The olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and spinach, infusing the filling with a rich, savory base. It also helps to soften the spinach, making it easier to incorporate into the other ingredients.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds depth and aromatic richness to the filling, complementing the cheese and pesto. Its subtle heat when sautéed helps bring out the natural sweetness of the spinach.
6 oz fresh spinach, large stems removed: Fresh spinach is the leafy green star of the pinwheels. It provides a burst of color and nutrition and balances out the richness of the cheese and pesto. Spinach wilts down during cooking, allowing you to incorporate it easily into the pastry without overwhelming the dish.
Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper: These seasonings enhance all of the flavors in the pinwheels. Salt brings out the sweetness of the spinach and pesto, while freshly cracked black pepper adds just the right amount of spice and warmth.
1/2 cup pesto: Pesto is the hero ingredient in this recipe. It brings a vibrant green color and adds an herby, garlicky, and nutty flavor. The combination of basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan creates a depth of flavor that beautifully complements the cheese and spinach. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto, for a unique twist.
1 1/2 cups freshly shredded cheese: A combination of white cheddar and gouda provides the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess. Gouda adds a mild, smoky undertone, while cheddar gives a sharp tanginess. Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly and smoothly compared to pre-shredded cheese, so it’s worth taking the extra time.
1/2 cup green onions, finely sliced (white and light green parts only): Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. They also provide a pop of color that makes the pinwheels look visually appealing.

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Instructions

1. Thaw and Roll the Puff Pastry
  Start by thawing the puff pastry according to the package instructions. Once thawed, place it on a sheet of parchment paper dusted with a little flour to prevent sticking. Gently roll the pastry into a rectangle measuring approximately 10 x 14 inches. If the edges aren’t perfectly straight, don’t worry—just try to get as close to a rectangle as possible to ensure even pinwheels.
2. Cook the Spinach Filling
  Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the spinach and stir to coat it with the olive oil and garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and has released some of its moisture. Remove from heat and season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Allow the spinach mixture to cool before finely chopping it.
3. Spread the Pesto and Add the Fillings
  Spread a generous layer of pesto over the rolled-out puff pastry. Use a spatula to evenly coat the entire surface. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the pesto, making sure to cover every inch. Add the chopped spinach and green onions over the cheese, ensuring a balanced distribution. Add a few cracks of black pepper over the top for extra seasoning.
4. Roll and Chill the Pinwheels
  Starting from the longer edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log, making sure the filling stays securely inside. Once rolled, seal the edge by pinching it lightly. Transfer the roll to the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm it up. This chilling step will make slicing the pinwheels much easier and help them hold their shape while baking.
5. Slice and Bake
  Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the roll from the freezer and, using a serrated knife, slice it into 16 evenly sized pinwheels. The best way to do this is to first trim off the uneven ends and then cut the roll in half. From there, continue cutting each half into smaller pieces to ensure even pinwheels.
Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart. Bake them for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are puffed, golden brown, and cheesy. Keep an eye on them during baking—if some of the pinwheels start to uncurl, gently press them back into shape using a spatula.
1. Serve and Enjoy
  Once the pinwheels are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. These pinwheels are delicious on their own, but they are even better with some dipping sauces or sides. Consider serving them with a bowl of guacamole, sour cream, or salsa for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pinwheels. A chilled glass of white wine or a sparkling beverage pairs wonderfully with these appetizers, making them perfect for any gathering.

Notes

Cheese Variations: While the combination of white cheddar and gouda is a winning choice, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Mozzarella, brie, or even a sharp parmesan could all work wonderfully in this recipe.
Add More Veggies: If you’re a fan of extra greens, you can add sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or even arugula to the filling for added flavor and texture.
Vegan Options: For a vegan version, use vegan puff pastry, vegan pesto, and dairy-free cheese alternatives. There are plenty of great options on the market that melt beautifully, making them a great substitution.
Make-Ahead: These pinwheels are perfect for meal prep or make-ahead appetizers. Prepare the pinwheels in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. You can even freeze the unbaked pinwheels and bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to serve them.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Italian
Diet: Vegetarian