Super Bowl Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Name: Super Bowl Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 pinwheels
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice); 1/2 cup cooked sausage or diced ham; 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives); 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Weeknight Quick Meals Collection

I absolutely love making Super Bowl Puff Pastry Pinwheels for game day! These delightful little bites are not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying. The flaky pastry wraps around delicious fillings, creating a perfect snack that everyone enjoys. Each pinwheel is packed with flavor and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you prefer savory cheeses, meats, or vegetables, these pinwheels will surely impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. Plus, they come together in no time, making them an easy addition to my Super Bowl spread.

Created by

Matilda Rowe

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:45:34.245Z

When I first made these Super Bowl Puff Pastry Pinwheels, I was amazed at how quickly they disappeared! I experimented with different fillings, finding that a combination of cream cheese, herbs, and spicy sausage was an instant hit. The key to a flaky texture is to work with chilled puff pastry and to not overfill them, which I learned from trial and error.

Another favorite variation I tried was with spinach and feta, which adds a refreshing touch. I also discovered that baking them until golden and slightly crispy makes a delightful contrast to the creamy interior. These pinwheels are now a staple at our game day festivities!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Flaky and buttery pastry that everyone loves
Customizable fillings to please any palate
Perfect bite-sized snacks for guests to enjoy

Mastering the Puff Pastry Technique

Working with puff pastry can be a bit tricky if you're not familiar with it. It's essential to keep the pastry cold before baking; this helps create those delightful flaky layers. If it becomes too warm while you’re rolling it out, pop it back in the fridge for about 10 minutes. This will ensure that when you bake it, the steam generated will puff it up beautifully, giving you that signature light and airy texture.

Cutting the pinwheels evenly is crucial for uniform baking. Use a sharp knife or a serrated knife to slice the log, ensuring clean edges. If you notice any filling oozing out, you can gently press the edges together while rolling them initially. This helps seal the pinwheels and prevents them from opening up in the oven.

Flavorful Filling Variations

While the classic combination of cream cheese, shredded cheese, and sausage or ham is fantastic, feel free to get creative with your fillings. For a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or artichokes combined with a blend of feta and mozzarella. Alternatively, you could try a spiced chicken filling with a hint of jalapeño for a bit of heat.

For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating different types of cheese; blue cheese or goat cheese could add a rich creaminess that complements the puff pastry wonderfully. Remember to balance flavors; if you go for stronger cheeses, you may want to dial back the number of herbs or spices added.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These pinwheels are best served fresh but can also be made ahead of time. You can prepare the filling and roll the pastry log, then wrap it tightly in plastic and refrigerate it for up to a day before slicing and baking. This way, you can have freshly baked pinwheels just before your guests arrive, ensuring that they'll be warm and crispy.

If you've got leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will restore their flaky texture without making them soggy, unlike microwaving. Serve with a selection of dipping sauces like marinara or a tangy mustard for an added layer of enjoyment.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to whip up these delicious pinwheels:

Ingredients

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
1/2 cup cooked sausage or diced ham
1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Super Bowl Puff Pastry Pinwheels:

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, cooked sausage (or ham), and chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Roll Out the Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smoothen it. Aim for a rectangle shape where it will easily hold the filling.

Add the Filling

Spread the filling evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges for sealing.

Roll and Cut

Starting from one end, gently roll the pastry into a tight log. Once rolled, slice the log into 1-inch pinwheels.

Bake

Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve

Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Enjoy your delicious pinwheels with a side of dipping sauces!

Pro Tips

Make sure not to overfill the pastry to prevent spillage while baking. Experiment with different fillings like spinach and cheese or pesto and veggies for variety.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of cheese can significantly influence the flavor profile of your pinwheels. A sharp cheddar will add a tangy bite, while mozzarella provides a milder base that's wonderfully gooey when melted. Experiment with blends to find your favorite combination, but remember that a higher moisture cheese can make your filling runny, so balance is key.

Using fresh herbs enhances the taste of your pinwheels enormously. Chives provide a mild onion flavor, while parsley adds freshness. For something bolder, try fresh basil or oregano. These herbs should be added just before spreading the filling to preserve their vibrant flavors.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your pinwheels flatten in the oven, it could be because the puff pastry was too warm before baking or not rolled tightly enough. Ensure your pastry stays chilled and check that you’re rolling the log firm enough to create tension. If you're seeing bubbling but no puffing, it may not have been baked long enough; all ovens vary, so keeping an eye on them is crucial.

If the edges of your pinwheels are browning faster than the centers, consider rotating your baking sheet halfway through cooking. This helps to ensure even cooking and prevents any chance of burning. If you notice any excessive browning, you can loosely cover them with aluminum foil to slow the cooking of the exposed edges while allowing the centers to catch up.

Scaling Up for a Crowd

If you're preparing for a larger gathering, scaling up this recipe is straightforward. Just increase the quantities of filling ingredients proportionally. Keep in mind that if you're using multiple sheets of puff pastry, you can layer different fillings on each sheet for variety. Just ensure that you adjust your baking times accordingly; larger batches may need a few additional minutes in the oven.

Consider making mini pinwheels for easier serving. Use smaller pieces of puff pastry rolled around the filling, and slice them into bite-sized pieces. This not only makes for a more appealing presentation but also allows your guests to sample different flavors without overindulging. Just make sure to keep an eye on them while baking, as they may cook more quickly than larger versions.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels and refrigerate them unbaked for a few hours before baking. Just brush with egg wash before baking!

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use ricotta cheese or even goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

→ Are these pinwheels freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked pinwheels. Just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ Can I use store-bought fillings?

Yes! Store-bought fillings like pesto or hummus can be great options for convenience.