Super Bowl Appetizer Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Name: Super Bowl Appetizer Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 pinwheels
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 1/2 cup diced ham or cooked chicken; 1/2 cup chopped spinach or other vegetables; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making these Super Bowl Appetizer Puff Pastry Pinwheels for game day! The combination of flaky pastry and savory fillings never fails to impress my guests. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, they're perfect for last-minute gatherings. Plus, the versatility of the filling options means you can tailor them to suit everyone's taste. Whether you stick with classic cheese and veggies or get adventurous with spicy meats, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit at any party!

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-10T12:52:12.779Z

When I first made these pinwheels, I was amazed at how easily they came together. The puff pastry bakes to a golden flaky perfection, creating a texture that perfectly complements the fillings. I love experimenting with different combinations, but a classic spin with ham and cheese has become a favorite in my household.

One important tip I discovered is to make sure not to overfill the pinwheels; this can cause them to burst while baking. A delicate hand in rolling them up ensures they cook evenly and look beautiful when sliced. These are always a hit at my parties!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Flaky and buttery pastry that melts in your mouth
Endless filling possibilities to please any crowd
Perfect for game day snacking or any festive occasion

      

Mastering Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is all about the layers. The key to achieving that flaky texture lies in the proper handling of the dough. When rolling out the pastry, be sure to keep your surface lightly floured and avoid pressing too hard; this helps maintain the air pockets that create the layers during baking. Also, if your dough becomes too warm while you work with it, pop it back into the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. Chilled pastry bakes up beautifully, yielding the desired light and airy result.

When it comes to thawing, I recommend doing so in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature. This prevents the butter from becoming too soft and ensures it retains its structure. Make sure the pastry is completely thawed but still cool to the touch when you begin rolling it out; this will make it easier to handle and shape into the pinwheels.

Filling Flavor Combinations

Think outside the box when it comes to filling your pinwheels! While cheese, ham, and spinach are delicious staples, consider trying a mix of roasted red peppers and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist. Alternatively, swapping in cooked sausage and jalapeños can add a spicy kick. Don't hesitate to experiment; just remember that moisture-heavy ingredients can lead to sogginess. If you want to add something juicy like tomatoes, make sure to drain them well beforehand.

Another filling option is to incorporate herbs or spreads. A thin layer of pesto or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or dill can create an aromatic flavor boost. Just be careful not to overfill your pinwheels! Less is often more, as overstuffed versions can burst during baking and lose their shape.

Serving and Storing Tips

These pinwheels are best served warm straight out of the oven, as the gooey cheese and flaky pastry are at their prime. However, they can also be enjoyed at room temperature, making them an excellent make-ahead option for game day. If you prepare them in advance, store unbaked pinwheels on a parchment-lined sheet pan, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just remember to brush them with egg wash before baking for that golden finish.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the pastry soggy, diminishing that delightful flaky texture you aim for.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for the pinwheels.

Ingredients for Puff Pastry Pinwheels

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1/2 cup diced ham or cooked chicken
1/2 cup chopped spinach or other vegetables
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have everything prepared, you're ready to assemble!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious pinwheels.

Prepare the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it's about 1/8 inch thick.

Add the Filling

Spread the shredded cheese evenly over the surface of the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Then sprinkle the diced ham (or chicken) and chopped spinach followed by seasoning it with salt and pepper.

Roll and Slice

Starting from one edge, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. Slice the log into 1-inch pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Apply Egg Wash

Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color once baked.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your homemade pinwheels warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

Experiment with different fillings like pesto, sun-dried tomatoes or even sweet fillings like Nutella for a fun twist! Also, be sure to chill the pinwheels for 10 minutes before baking for even puffier results.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your pinwheels aren’t puffing up properly, it could be due to a few reasons. One common issue is not rolling the pastry thin enough. Aim for 1/8 inch; any thicker and the layers will struggle to rise. Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking as well; if it’s too cool, the dough will steam instead of puff. If you notice the pinwheels are browning too quickly, lower the oven rack to prevent direct exposure to the heat from the top element.

Another challenge can arise from excessive filling. If your pinwheels burst during baking, consider reducing your filling quantity slightly next time. Also, ensure all filling components are evenly spread out to avoid heavy spots that could weigh down the pastry.

Scaling the Recipe Up

Hosting a larger gathering? Scaling the recipe up is straightforward! Just multiply the ingredients according to the number of guests. Each sheet of puff pastry generally makes about 12 pinwheels, so consider how many you need before deciding how many sheets to use. This makes it easy to plan your prep and baking times. Just keep in mind that if you’re baking multiple sheets, you may need to rotate them halfway through for even browning.

To manage your time efficiently, prep the fillings and pastry ahead of time. Doing as much work as possible before your guests arrive means you can spend more time enjoying the festivities rather than stuck in the kitchen. Preparing different filling variations is also a great way to cater to varied tastes while keeping the prep easy and efficient.

Variations to Delight Your Guests

If you want to cater to specific dietary preferences, consider making a vegetarian or vegan version of these pinwheels. A mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and nutritional yeast can replicate a cheesy flavor without dairy. Just ensure you're using puff pastry that's suitable for vegan diets, as some contain butter.

For a sweet treat, why not try dessert pinwheels? Use the same pastry base and fill it with chocolate spread and sliced strawberries or cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar and fruits. Bake as directed, and you'll end up with delicious miniature desserts that can surprise your guests after the game!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them, refrigerate, and then bake them just before serving.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can use various ingredients such as artichokes, olives, or even pepperoni!

→ How do I store leftover pinwheels?

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these pinwheels?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly and bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.