Irresistible Pesto Pinwheels Recipe for Every Occasion

Recipe By:
Alison Shear
Updated:

The aroma of freshly baked Pesto Pinwheels wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace that sings of Italian kitchens and family gatherings. Imagine biting into a soft, flaky swirl filled with vibrant green pesto, creamy cheese, and a hint of garlic—a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds and makes your heart sing.

These delightful morsels are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or just want to indulge during a cozy night in. Picture this: you whip up these pinwheels in no time, impressing friends and family with your culinary prowess while secretly reveling in how easy they were to make. When food brings people together, magic happens!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Pesto Pinwheels are ridiculously easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
  • The flavor profile combines rich pesto with creamy cheese for an irresistible taste experience.
  • Visually stunning with their vibrant colors, these pinwheels are sure to impress anyone who sees them.
  • They’re versatile enough to be enjoyed as appetizers, snacks, or even as part of a main dish!

Ingredients for Pesto Pinwheels Recipe

Caramelized Onion Pesto Flatbread.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Pizza Dough: Store-bought or homemade; it forms the base for our pinwheels and saves time.

  • Pesto Sauce: Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor; it’s packed with herbs and nuts.

  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This gooey cheese adds richness and helps hold everything together.

  • Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan gives extra depth and a savory kick.

  • Cherry Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add a burst of freshness and color to each bite.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

How to Make Pesto Pinwheels Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your pinwheels bake evenly to golden perfection.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Make sure it’s even so that your pinwheels cook uniformly.

Step 3: Spread the Pesto

Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce over the rolled-out dough. Don’t be shy—this is where all that herbaceous goodness comes into play!

Step 4: Add Cheese and Tomatoes

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the pesto-covered dough. Then scatter diced cherry tomatoes over the top for added flavor and texture.

Step 5: Roll It Up

Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use gentle pressure but make sure it’s snug; we want tight pinwheels that don’t fall apart!

Step 6: Slice and Bake

Using a sharp knife, slice the log into approximately 1-inch thick rounds. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional pesto if desired for the perfect finishing touch.

There you have it—your very own Pesto Pinwheels Recipe! These delightful bites are not only easy but also bursting with flavors that will leave everyone asking for more. Easy Baked Penne Pasta Enjoy your culinary creation at gatherings or keep them all for yourself (we won’t tell). Meatball Sub Bites Happy cooking!

You Must Know

  • Pesto pinwheels are not just a snack; they are the life of the party!
  • These delightful bites bring together vibrant pesto, creamy cheese, and flaky pastry.
  • Best of all, they take mere minutes to prepare, making them the perfect choice for entertaining on short notice.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfect pesto pinwheels, start by preheating your oven while you roll out the pastry dough. Spread a generous layer of pesto on top, sprinkle with cheese, and tightly roll it up before slicing into pinwheels. Bake until golden for best results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your pesto pinwheels! Swap out traditional basil pesto for sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto. You can also add diced peppers, olives, or even some cooked chicken for extra flavor and texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover pesto pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy again.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor; this makes a noticeable difference in your dish.
  • Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give each pinwheel space to crisp up perfectly.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like feta or gouda for unique twists on flavor.

It was a rainy Saturday afternoon when I first made these pesto pinwheels. My friends swooped in unexpectedly and devoured every last one—leaving me with only crumbs and their rave reviews!

FAQs :

What ingredients are needed for the Pesto Pinwheels Recipe?

To create delicious Pesto Pinwheels, gather the following ingredients: a package of crescent roll dough, fresh basil pesto, cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Optional ingredients include sliced tomatoes or spinach for added flavor. These ingredients come together to form a delightful snack perfect for parties or as an appetizer. Ensure you have all these items ready before starting your cooking adventure.

How do I store leftover Pesto Pinwheels?

After enjoying your Pesto Pinwheels, you may have some leftovers. To store them properly, place the pinwheels in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They will remain fresh for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them before baking. Just remember to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.

Can I customize my Pesto Pinwheels Recipe?

Absolutely! One of the best things about the Pesto Pinwheels Recipe is its versatility. Feel free to add different cheeses like feta or cheddar for a unique twist. You can also incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers or olives for extra flavor. Experimenting with different fillings will allow you to create a personalized version that suits your taste.

How long does it take to prepare Pesto Pinwheels?

Preparing your Pesto Pinwheels is quick and easy! The total time from start to finish is approximately 30 minutes. This includes 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of baking time. Whether you’re making these for a casual get-together or a special event, they come together swiftly without compromising on taste.

Conclusion for Pesto Pinwheels Recipe :

In summary, the Pesto Pinwheels Recipe is a simple yet delightful dish that combines the flavors of pesto, cream cheese, and mozzarella in an easy-to-make format. Perfect for gatherings or snacking at home, these pinwheels are both versatile and customizable. Cheese and Egg Casserole With just a few key ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can impress your guests with this tasty treat that everyone will love!

Print

Pesto Pinwheels

Pesto Pinwheels are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that combines flaky pizza dough with vibrant basil pesto, gooey mozzarella, and fresh cherry tomatoes. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, these pinwheels are sure to impress with their burst of flavors and stunning presentation. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this irresistible treat that everyone will love!

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package pizza dough (about 1 lb)
  • 1 cup fresh basil pesto
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
  3. Spread a generous layer of basil pesto over the rolled-out dough.
  4. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and diced cherry tomatoes on top.
  5. Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log.
  6. Slice the log into approximately 1-inch thick rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pinwheel (45g)
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider using sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto instead of traditional basil pesto. - Feel free to customize by adding diced bell peppers or olives for extra flavor. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze before baking.

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