Cheesy French Pinwheels: A Crispy, Savory Delight

Picture this: golden, flaky puff pastry swirled with melted cheese, savory salami, and a hint of rosemary, all wrapped in a delicate pinwheel shape. These Cheesy French Pinwheels are the perfect combination of crisp, buttery layers and gooey, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing an elegant appetizer, or simply indulging in a warm, cheesy snack, this recipe is bound to impress.

Inspired by classic French pastry techniques, these pinwheels are easy to make yet taste like something straight out of a Parisian café. With the perfect balance of sharp Dijon mustard, fragrant rosemary, and rich Jack cheese, every bite is packed with flavor.

Let’s dive into how you can make these deliciously cheesy French pinwheels at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy yet elegant – Simple ingredients create a stunning appetizer.
• Crispy and cheesy – Buttery puff pastry bakes to golden perfection.
• Perfect for any occasion – Great for parties, brunches, or a cozy snack.
• Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your taste.
• Make-ahead friendly – Prepare in advance and bake fresh when needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make these Cheesy French Pinwheels:

For the Pinwheels

Ingredient	Amount
Puff pastry sheets	2
Country Dijon whole grain mustard	½ cup
Fresh rosemary, finely chopped	1 tbsp
Salami, very thinly sliced	½ pound
Jack cheese, shredded	3 cups
Large eggs, beaten	2

How to Make Cheesy French Pinwheels

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry

• Take the puff pastry sheets out of the refrigerator and let them sit for about 5 minutes to soften slightly.
• Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out each sheet to ensure even thickness.

2. Add the Flavorful Layers

• Spread Dijon mustard evenly over each pastry sheet.
• Sprinkle fresh rosemary across the mustard layer.
• Arrange the thinly sliced salami evenly over the surface.
• Generously sprinkle the shredded Jack cheese over the top.

3. Roll and Chill

• Carefully roll each pastry sheet into a tight log, starting from the longer edge.
• Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

4. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Slice and Arrange

• Remove the chilled pastry logs and slice into ½-inch thick rounds.
• Place the pinwheels 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.

6. Brush with Egg Wash

• Beat the eggs and lightly brush each pinwheel with the mixture.
• This helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.

7. Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden and crispy.
• Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

8. Serve & Enjoy!

• Serve warm as a savory appetizer, snack, or brunch treat.
• Pair with a dipping sauce or a side of honey mustard for extra flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Pinwheels

• Use cold puff pastry – Keeping the dough cold ensures flakiness.
• Roll tightly – This helps keep the pinwheels from unraveling during baking.
• Chill before slicing – Cold dough makes it easier to cut clean rounds.
• Brush with egg wash – This creates a golden, glossy finish.
• Experiment with fillings – Try different meats, cheeses, and herbs for variety.

How to Store & Reheat Pinwheels

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Arrange unbaked pinwheels on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen.

Reheating

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes until crispy.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	280
Carbohydrates	15g
Protein	10g
Fat	20g
Sugar	1g
Sodium	450mg

What to Serve with Cheesy French Pinwheels

These pinwheels pair perfectly with:

• Dipping sauces – Try honey mustard, garlic aioli, or marinara sauce.
• Salads – A light arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Soup – Pair with tomato bisque for a comforting meal.
• Wine & Cocktails – A glass of Chardonnay or sparkling wine complements the flavors beautifully.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to customize your Cheesy French Pinwheels? Try these ideas:

• Different Cheese – Swap Jack cheese for cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella.
• Meat-Free Option – Skip the salami and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
• Spicy Twist – Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot honey for extra heat.
• Pesto Variation – Replace mustard with pesto for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate them up to 24 hours ahead. Slice and bake when ready.

2. Can I use pre-rolled puff pastry?

Absolutely! Store-bought pre-rolled puff pastry saves time and works just as well.

3. What’s the best way to get even slices?

Use a sharp serrated knife and cut gently in a sawing motion to prevent flattening the pinwheels.

4. Can I bake these in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.

5. How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to roll the pastry tightly and don’t overfill it with cheese.

6. Can I use puff pastry alternatives?

Yes! Phyllo dough can work, but it will be more delicate. Crescent roll dough is a softer alternative.

Final Thoughts: Try These Cheesy French Pinwheels Today!

Now that you know how to make Cheesy French Pinwheels, it’s time to bring this flaky, cheesy, and savory delight to your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing them for a gathering, a holiday event, or a cozy night in, these pinwheels are guaranteed to impress.

Try them out today and let us know how they turned out! Share your pinwheel creations in the comments or tag us on social media.

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