Swirly Garden Magic: Fresh Pesto Pinwheels Recipe

When summer gatherings call for a delightful pesto pinwheels recipe that sparks conversation, these spiraled appetizers deliver pure culinary magic.

Packed with vibrant basil and creamy cheese, they dance across your taste buds with incredible lightness.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of herbal richness and delicate pastry.

Guests will be impressed by the elegant swirls that seem complicated but come together effortlessly.

The pinwheels offer a sophisticated twist on classic party snacks, guaranteed to vanish from the plate in minutes.

Rolling these savory treats takes just moments, making them an ideal last-minute addition to any meal.

Dive into this simple yet stunning recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary appetizer.

Ingredients List for Pesto Pinwheels

• Puff Pastry: Delicate, buttery foundation that creates flaky, crisp layers for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for preventing pastry from sticking during rolling and shaping.

• Pesto: Vibrant, herbal sauce that infuses rich basil and garlic notes into the pinwheels.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, sweet-tangy gems that add intense mediterranean flavor and beautiful color contrast.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides a nutty depth and helps create a golden, crispy exterior.

• Egg: Creates a glossy, golden-brown seal that helps pinwheels hold their shape and adds beautiful sheen.

Kitchen Tools for Baking Pesto Pinwheels

• Rolling pin: Essential for perfectly rolling out the puff pastry to the right dimensions.
• Baking sheet: Large, lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
• Pastry brush: Needed to evenly spread pesto across the pastry surface.
• Sharp knife: Used for cutting the rolled log into precise ½
• Measuring tools: Important for accurate pastry dimensions and ingredient portioning.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for rolling and slicing the pastry.

How to Roll & Bake Pesto Pinwheels

• Pastry Preparation

Unwrap a sheet of frozen puff pastry and let it gently warm on a lightly dusted countertop until flexible.

• Flavor Layering

Spread a generous coating of vibrant green pesto across the pastry surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle crumbled parmesan and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for bursts of Mediterranean flavor.

• Rolling Technique

Carefully roll the pastry into a tight cylindrical shape, ensuring a smooth and even log. Brush the final edge with egg wash to create a perfect seal.

• Pinwheel Creation

Slice the rolled pastry into bite-sized rounds approximately half an inch thick. Arrange the delicate pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each space to expand.

• Baking Magic

Slide the tray into a preheated oven at 400°F. Bake until the pinwheels transform into golden, crispy appetizers with a beautiful flaky texture, typically 15-20 minutes.

• Serving Moment

Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly, letting the flavors settle and the pastry become perfectly crisp. Serve warm as an elegant and irresistible snack.

Variations for Your Pesto Pinwheels

• Replace parmesan with feta, goat cheese, or pecorino for a tangy twist that elevates the pinwheel's taste and texture.
• Prepare the rolled log up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and slice just before baking to save time during party preparation.
• Sprinkle chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions inside the pinwheels for extra nutrition and depth of flavor.
• Substitute puff pastry with gluten-free phyllo dough or almond flour-based pastry to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

Ways to Plate and Serve Pesto Pinwheels

• Pair with Fresh Greens: Create a light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette to complement the rich, savory pinwheels.
• Serve as Appetizer Platter: Arrange pinwheels on a wooden board with olives, sliced salami, and soft cheeses for an elegant party starter.
• Dip and Enjoy: Prepare a quick garlic aioli or marinara sauce for guests to dip these crispy, cheesy pinwheels, adding an extra layer of flavor.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Offer a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc to balance the pesto's herbal notes and pastry's richness.

Storing Leftover Pesto Pinwheels

• Maximize Freshness: Store pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain crispy texture.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap unbaked pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble pinwheels up to 24 hours before baking. Keep covered in the refrigerator to maintain quality and save time during meal preparation.
• Serving Tip: Serve slightly warm for the best flavor and texture. Pair with a light salad or as an appetizer for gatherings and casual get-togethers.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 9

Twirling Pesto Pinwheels

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Savory pesto pinwheels bring Mediterranean zest to party appetizers with herbal elegance. Crisp pastry rolls showcase parmesan, basil, and pine nuts, delivering simple sophistication you’ll crave at first bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 sheet puff pastry (½ package, thawed)
• ½ cup (130g) pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• 8 oz (100g) sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
• ½ cup (56g) shredded parmesan
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp water

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal baking conditions.
2. Pastry Handling: Thaw puff pastry on a floured surface and roll into a rectangular shape measuring 9×16 inches, creating a smooth, even base for the pinwheels.
3. Flavor Layering: Brush the entire pastry surface with pesto, then evenly distribute sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spillage.
4. Rolling Technique: Tightly roll the pastry into a compact log, applying consistent pressure and sealing the edge with egg wash to ensure a secure closure.
5. Slicing: Use a sharp knife to cut the log into half-inch thick pinwheels, revealing an appealing spiral pattern and exposing the layered ingredients.
6. Baking Process: Arrange pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring proper spacing for even browning, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp.
7. Cooling and Serving: Allow pinwheels to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven, letting them set and develop a delectable texture before presenting to eager guests.

Notes

• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Pat sun-dried tomatoes dry before adding to reduce excess moisture and ensure crispy pinwheels.
• Chill for Precision: Refrigerate the rolled log for 15 minutes before slicing to achieve cleaner, more uniform cuts.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Use freshly grated parmesan for maximum flavor and better melting properties compared to pre-packaged options.
• Egg Wash Technique: Apply egg wash sparingly and with a light hand to create a beautiful golden sheen without making the pastry too wet.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 50mg