Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Introduction
These jalapeño and cheese pinwheels are a deliciously spicy snack that combines creamy cheeses with a hint of heat. Perfect for parties or a quick appetizer, they are crispy, golden, and full of flavor.
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
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the soft cheese, cheese slices, grated red Leicester, chopped jalapeños, and hot sauce if using. Season the mixture well with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Step 2: Unroll the puff pastry sheet and spread the cheese mixture evenly over it, reaching all the edges.
- Step 3: Roll the pastry tightly from one of the longer sides to form a spiral, then slice it into 12 equal pinwheels.
- Step 4: Place the pinwheels on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, spacing them well apart. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Brush the pinwheels with the beaten egg to help them brown.
- Step 6: Bake the pinwheels for 20–25 minutes until they are golden, puffed up, and risen. Let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, add more jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
- Try using different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Serve with a side of sour cream or guacamole for dipping.
- If you prefer less heat, rinse the jalapeños to tone down the spice before chopping.
Storage
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for 8–10 minutes to restore their crispiness. They can also be frozen before baking; thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and roll the pinwheels, then freeze them before baking. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled?
Absolutely. Fresh jalapeños will add a sharper heat, so adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
Print
Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
Description
Delightfully cheesy and spicy Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels made with a flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy blend of soft cheese, cheddar, and pickled jalapeños, perfect as a savory snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
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 taste
Pastry
- 320g ready-rolled puff pastry sheet
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the soft cheese, cheese slices, coarsely grated red Leicester, pickled jalapeños, and hot sauce if using. Season well with salt and pepper, then set aside to let flavors meld.
- Assemble the pinwheels: Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a clean surface and evenly spread the cheese and jalapeño mixture over the entire pastry, reaching right to the edges.
- Roll the pastry: Carefully roll the pastry into a tight spiral starting from one of the longer sides to form a log shape.
- Slice and chill: Slice the roll into 12 equal pinwheels and place them spaced well apart on a baking tray lined with baking parchment. Chill the tray in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up the pastry.
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/Gas Mark 6 while the pinwheels chill.
- Apply egg wash and bake: Brush the tops of the chilled pinwheels with beaten egg to achieve a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are golden, puffed, and risen.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before serving warm for the best flavor and flaky texture.
Notes
- You can adjust the quantity of jalapeños to control the spiciness of the pinwheels.
- Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled before baking to get a flaky texture.
- Serve these pinwheels as an appetizer, party snack, or alongside a salad for a light meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: jalapeño pinwheels, cheese pinwheels, puff pastry snacks, spicy appetizers, party snacks, puff pastry cheese rolls
