Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

These jalapeño and cheese pinwheels are a flavorful, spicy snack perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Crispy puff pastry wrapped around a creamy, cheesy filling with a kick of jalapeño makes each bite irresistible and satisfying.

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 with salt and pepper, then mix well and set aside.
2. Step 2: Unroll the puff pastry and spread the cheese mixture evenly over the surface, reaching all the edges.
3. Step 3: Roll up the pastry tightly from one of the longer sides into a spiral. Slice the roll into 12 equal pinwheels.
4. Step 4: Arrange the pinwheels on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, leaving space between each. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6. Brush the pinwheels with the beaten egg.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pinwheels are golden, puffed up, and cooked through. 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 adding cooked bacon bits or chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for more flavor.
• If you prefer less heat, rinse the pickled jalapeños to reduce their spiciness before chopping.
• Use different cheeses such as cheddar or mozzarella for a milder or creamier texture.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for 8-10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels, chill them for 20 minutes as directed, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

What can I use instead of pickled jalapeños?

If you don’t have pickled jalapeños, fresh jalapeños, banana peppers, or mild green chilies can be used. Adjust the quantity depending on your heat preference.

Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 84 reviews

• Author: Jake
• 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 wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfectly spiced with a hint of heat, these golden, puffed pinwheels make a delicious appetizer or party treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 taste

Pastry

• 320g ready-rolled puff pastry sheet

Finishing

• 1 egg, beaten

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Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the soft cheese, chopped cheese slices, coarsely grated red Leicester, and roughly chopped pickled jalapeños. Add a few shakes of hot sauce if using, then season well with salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly and set the mixture aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Assemble the pinwheels: Unroll the ready-rolled puff pastry sheet onto a clean, flat surface. Evenly spread the cheese and jalapeño mixture across the pastry, covering right up to the edges for maximum flavor throughout. Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the pastry into a tight spiral.
3. Slice and chill: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled pastry into 12 equal pinwheel slices. Place each pinwheel on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, ensuring they are spaced well apart to allow for puffing during baking. Chill the pinwheels in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to help them hold their shape.
4. Bake the pinwheels: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg to give them a lovely golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pinwheels are golden brown, puffed up, and risen beautifully.
5. Cool and serve: Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes. Serve the warm pinwheels as a savory snack or party appetizer for best taste and texture.

Notes

• For extra heat, add more pickled jalapeños or additional hot sauce to the filling.
• You can substitute red Leicester with cheddar cheese if preferred.
• Ensure the pastry is well chilled after shaping to prevent shrinking during baking.
• Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best results.
• This recipe makes 12 pinwheels, perfect for sharing at gatherings.

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

Keywords: Jalapeño cheese pinwheels, puff pastry appetizers, spicy snacks, party finger foods, baked pinwheels