Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

These Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels are a perfect combination of spicy and cheesy flavors wrapped in crispy puff pastry. They make a fantastic appetizer or snack that’s easy to prepare and impressive to serve. Ready in under an hour, they bring a delicious kick to any occasion.

Ingredients

• 150g soft cheese
• 3 cheese slices, cut into small chunks
• 125g red Leicester cheese, coarsely grated
• 50g pickled jalapeños, roughly chopped
• Few shakes of hot sauce (optional)
• 320g ready-rolled puff pastry sheet
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the soft cheese, cheese slices, grated red Leicester, chopped jalapeños, and hot sauce if using. Season well with salt and pepper, then set the mixture aside.
2. Step 2: Unroll the puff pastry sheet and spread the cheese mixture evenly over it, reaching right to the edges.
3. Step 3: Roll the pastry tightly into a spiral starting from one of the longer sides.
4. Step 4: Slice the roll into 12 equal pinwheels and place them on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, spacing them well apart.
5. Step 5: Chill the pinwheels in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or Gas Mark 6.
7. Step 7: Brush the pinwheels with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are puffed up, golden, and cooked through.
9. Step 9: Allow to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder version, reduce the amount of jalapeños or replace with sweet bell peppers.
• Add herbs like chopped chives or parsley to the cheese mixture for extra freshness.
• Try different cheese combinations such as mozzarella or cheddar to change the flavor profile.
• If you prefer, swap pickled jalapeños for fresh ones but note this will add more heat.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (fan) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness. They are best enjoyed warm but can also be served at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these pinwheels in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and keep them chilled for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap until ready to bake.

Can I freeze the pinwheels?

Absolutely. Freeze the raw, sliced pinwheels on a tray then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 654 reviews

• Author: Cleo
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x

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Description

These Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful savory snack featuring a blend of soft cheese, red Leicester, and pickled jalapeños rolled in flaky puff pastry. Perfectly spiced with optional hot sauce and baked until golden and puffed, they make an ideal appetizer or party finger food.

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Ingredients

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Cheese Filling

• 150g soft cheese
• 3 cheese slices, cut into small chunks
• 125g red leicester cheese, coarsely grated
• 50g pickled jalapeños, roughly chopped
• Few shakes of hot sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to season

Pastry

• 320g ready-rolled puff pastry sheet
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the soft cheese, chopped cheese slices, grated red Leicester, chopped pickled jalapeños, and optional hot sauce. Season the mixture well with salt and pepper, then set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Assemble the Pinwheels: Unroll the ready-rolled puff pastry sheet on a clean surface, then evenly spread the cheese and jalapeño mixture over the pastry right up to the edges. Carefully roll the pastry up tightly from the longer side to form a spiral log.
3. Slice and Chill: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry into 12 equal pinwheel pieces. Place the pinwheels on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, spacing them well apart. Chill the tray in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to help the pinwheels hold their shape while baking.
4. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6, ensuring it reaches temperature before baking the pinwheels.
5. Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg to create a glossy, golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the pinwheels are golden brown, puffed up, and risen.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the pinwheels from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes. Serve warm as a tasty snack or party appetizer.

Notes

• For extra heat, increase the amount of pickled jalapeños or add more hot sauce.
• Make sure the puff pastry is chilled before slicing and baking to prevent the pinwheels from losing shape.
• You can substitute the red Leicester with mature cheddar if preferred.
• Serve with a cooling dip like sour cream or guacamole for balance.
• These pinwheels can be prepared in advance, frozen before baking, and baked directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizers
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: Jalapeño pinwheels, cheese pinwheels, puff pastry snacks, spicy appetizers, party food