Pesto Puff Pastry Pinwheels: An Easy & Delicious Appetizer

Looking for a quick, easy, and impressive appetizer? These pesto puff pastry pinwheels are the answer! They’re incredibly simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and are bursting with flavor. The flaky puff pastry, vibrant pesto, and cheesy filling combine to create a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or even a light lunch.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling with your favorite cheeses, meats, or vegetables. Want a vegetarian option? Just skip the meat! Need something spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless!

## Why You’ll Love These Pesto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple steps, you can have these pinwheels ready in under 30 minutes.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of pesto, cheese, and flaky puff pastry is simply irresistible.
* **Versatile:** Customize the filling to your liking with different cheeses, meats, and vegetables.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** These pinwheels are great for parties, potlucks, appetizers, or even a light lunch.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The pinwheel shape is visually appealing and adds a touch of elegance to any table.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Puff Pastry:** 1 sheet (usually about 14 oz) of frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions.
* **Pesto:** 1/4 – 1/2 cup of your favorite pesto (homemade or store-bought).
* **Cheese:** 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese that melts well, like provolone, fontina, or Gruyere).
* **Optional Add-ins:**
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
* 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained).
* 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon or prosciutto.
* 1/4 cup chopped spinach or arugula.
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a little heat).
* Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) – for a shiny, golden-brown finish.
* Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (for sprinkling on top).

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
* Rolling pin (optional, but helpful if your puff pastry is very thick)
* Pizza cutter or sharp knife
* Small bowl (for egg wash, if using)
* Pastry brush (for egg wash, if using)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make these delightful pesto puff pastry pinwheels:

**1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:**

* Thaw the puff pastry according to the package directions. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes at room temperature. It’s crucial that the puff pastry is thawed but still cold. If it gets too warm, it will be difficult to work with and won’t puff up properly in the oven.
* Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If the pastry is very thick, you can gently roll it out with a rolling pin to even it out and make it slightly larger (about 12×12 inches). Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can prevent it from puffing up properly.

**2. Spread the Pesto:**

* Evenly spread the pesto over the entire surface of the puff pastry, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) along the edges. The amount of pesto you use will depend on your preference and the intensity of the pesto. Start with 1/4 cup and add more if desired. Avoid using too much pesto, as it can make the pinwheels soggy.

**3. Add the Cheese and Optional Fillings:**

* Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese (or your chosen cheese) evenly over the pesto-covered puff pastry.
* If you’re using any optional add-ins, such as sun-dried tomatoes, bacon, spinach, or red pepper flakes, sprinkle them over the cheese. Distribute them evenly for consistent flavor in each pinwheel.

**4. Roll Up the Puff Pastry:**

* Starting from one edge, tightly roll up the puff pastry like a jelly roll. Make sure the roll is tight to create well-defined pinwheels. If the pastry is sticking to the surface, use a spatula to gently lift it as you roll.

**5. Chill the Roll (Important!)**

* Wrap the rolled-up puff pastry tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it firms up the dough and makes it easier to slice into even pinwheels. If you skip this step, the pinwheels will likely be misshapen and difficult to cut.

**6. Slice the Pinwheels:**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the pinwheels from sticking and make cleanup easier.
* Remove the chilled puff pastry roll from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the roll into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels. Try to make the slices as even as possible for uniform baking.

**7. Arrange on Baking Sheet:**

* Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures that the pinwheels bake evenly.

**8. Egg Wash (Optional):**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash. This will give them a shiny, golden-brown finish.

**9. Sprinkle with Seeds (Optional):**

* If desired, sprinkle the pinwheels with sesame seeds or poppy seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

**10. Bake the Pinwheels:**

* Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and puffed up. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. If the pinwheels start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with foil to prevent them from burning.

**11. Cool and Serve:**

* Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overwork the Dough:** Overworking the puff pastry can develop the gluten, resulting in a tough, less flaky pinwheel.
* **Keep the Dough Cold:** Cold dough is easier to work with and will result in a flakier final product. Make sure your puff pastry is thawed but still cold before using it. Chill the rolled-up pastry before slicing.
* **Use Good Quality Pesto:** The flavor of the pesto is crucial to the overall taste of the pinwheels. Use a high-quality store-bought pesto or, even better, make your own homemade pesto.
* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling the pinwheels can make them difficult to roll and slice, and they may not bake evenly. Use a moderate amount of filling and distribute it evenly.
* **Slice Evenly:** Try to slice the pinwheels into even thicknesses for uniform baking.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the pinwheels and adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the pinwheels ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply slice and bake as directed. You can also freeze the unbaked pinwheels for longer storage. To freeze, place the sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

## Variations and Add-ins

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Here are some ideas for variations and add-ins:

* **Cheese Variations:** Use different types of cheese, such as provolone, fontina, Gruyere, or goat cheese.
* **Meat Options:** Add cooked bacon, prosciutto, ham, or pepperoni.
* **Vegetarian Options:** Add chopped spinach, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or olives.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
* **Sweet Pinwheels:** For a sweet version, use Nutella or jam instead of pesto and sprinkle with chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
* **Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme.
* **Garlic:** Add minced garlic to the pesto for a more intense flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

These pesto puff pastry pinwheels are delicious served warm or at room temperature. They make a great appetizer for parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. They’re also perfect for a light lunch or snack. Here are some serving suggestions:

* Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
* Serve with a salad for a light lunch.
* Arrange on a platter with other appetizers, such as cheese and crackers, olives, and crudités.
* Pack in a lunchbox for a delicious and easy meal.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* Calories: Approximately 150-200 per pinwheel
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 5-8g
* Cholesterol: 20-30mg
* Sodium: 150-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Fiber: 0-1g
* Sugar: 1-2g
* Protein: 3-5g

## Conclusion

Pesto puff pastry pinwheels are a simple, delicious, and versatile appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of effort, you can create a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will love. So, grab a sheet of puff pastry, some pesto, and your favorite cheese, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible pinwheels!

Enjoy!