Cheesy French Pinwheels

Cheesy French Pinwheels are the perfect combination of flaky pastry, gooey cheese, and flavorful seasonings. These delightful bites are ideal for appetizers, snacks, or even a light lunch.

The recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite cheeses or herbs. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a quick indulgence, these pinwheels are sure to impress with their irresistible golden crust and melty center.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife

Ingredients Overview

• Puff Pastry: The base of the recipe, offering a buttery and flaky texture.
• Cheese Blend: A mix of Gruyère and Parmesan brings a rich and nutty flavor.
• Seasonings: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley elevate the flavor, while garlic powder adds depth.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
   • Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12×10 inches.
2. Assemble the Pinwheels:
   • Sprinkle the Gruyère and Parmesan cheese evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Sprinkle the thyme and garlic powder over the cheese.
   • Roll the pastry tightly from one long edge to the other to form a log.
3. Slice the Pinwheels:
   • Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Place each pinwheel flat on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Add the Egg Wash:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash over the top and sides of each pinwheel to encourage browning.
5. Bake the Pinwheels:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Recipe Tips

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or blue cheese for unique flavors.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the pinwheels in advance, freeze them unbaked, and bake them straight from the freezer when needed.
• Cutting Tips: Chill the rolled pastry for 15 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut cleanly.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic dip.
• Salad: Pair with a light green salad for a balanced meal.
• Soup: These pinwheels go wonderfully with tomato soup or French onion soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.

How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to crisp them up.

Can I freeze the pinwheels?
Absolutely! Freeze them unbaked or baked. For unbaked, slice them, place on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy French Pinwheels are best served warm with a light salad, a bowl of hearty soup, or as part of a charcuterie board. Their crispy, cheesy goodness is a hit at parties and gatherings, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

Cheesy French Pinwheels

Cheesy French Pinwheels are the perfect combination of flaky pastry, gooey cheese, and flavorful seasonings. These delightful bites are ideal for appetizers, snacks, or even a light lunch. The recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite cheeses or herbs. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a quick indulgence, these pinwheels are sure to impress with their irresistible golden crust and melty center.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

• 1 sheet of puff pastry thawed
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 large egg for egg wash
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Puff Pastry:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12x10 inches.
• Assemble the Pinwheels:
• Sprinkle the Gruyère and Parmesan cheese evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Sprinkle the thyme and garlic powder over the cheese.
• Roll the pastry tightly from one long edge to the other to form a log.
• Slice the Pinwheels:
• Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Place each pinwheel flat on the prepared baking sheet.
• Add the Egg Wash:
• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash over the top and sides of each pinwheel to encourage browning.
• Bake the Pinwheels:
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
• Cool and Serve:
• Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.