Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Introduction
Spicy, cheesy, and irresistibly flaky, these Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels make a perfect snack or party bite. Combining creamy cheeses with a kick of pickled jalapeños wrapped in golden puff pastry, they’re simple to prepare and sure to impress.
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 chunks, red leicester, pickled jalapeños, and hot sauce if using. Season the mixture well with salt and pepper, then set aside.
- Step 2: Unroll the puff pastry sheet and evenly spread the cheese mixture all over, right up to the edges. Starting from the longer side, roll the pastry tightly into a spiral.
- Step 3: Slice the rolled pastry into 12 even pinwheels. Place them on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, leaving space between each. Chill the tray in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm up.
- Step 4: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Brush the pinwheels lightly with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Step 5: Bake the pinwheels for 20-25 minutes until puffed up, golden, and cooked through. Let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder version, reduce the jalapeños or omit the hot sauce altogether.
- Try substituting the red leicester with cheddar or smoked cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Use homemade puff pastry if you want a fully from-scratch option, but store-bought works well for convenience.
Storage
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for 8-10 minutes until hot and crisp again. They are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen before baking—just add a few extra minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and chill them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them easy to prepare in advance for parties or gatherings.
What can I serve with Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels?
They pair wonderfully with fresh salsa, guacamole, or a cooling yogurt dip. They also work well as an appetizer alongside salads or soups.
Print
Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful snack featuring a flaky puff pastry filled with a flavorful blend of soft cheese, cheddar varieties, and spicy pickled jalapeños. Perfect for parties or a savory treat, they bake to golden, crispy perfection with a subtle kick of heat.
Ingredients
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 freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pastry
- 320g ready-rolled puff pastry sheet
- 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the soft cheese, chopped cheese slices, grated red Leicester, and roughly chopped pickled jalapeños. Add a few shakes of hot sauce if desired. Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the pinwheels: Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. Evenly spread the cheese and jalapeño mixture over the pastry, covering it right up to the edges. Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the pastry into a tight spiral.
- Slice and chill: Cut the rolled pastry into 12 equal slices, forming pinwheels. Place the pinwheels on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, spacing them well apart. Chill them in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking.
- Bake the pinwheels: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6). Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is puffed, golden, and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pinwheels to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes after baking. Serve warm as a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of jalapeños and hot sauce to control the spiciness level.
- Be sure to chill the pinwheels before baking to help maintain their shape and ensure even puffing.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture; they can be reheated gently in the oven if needed.
- Use good-quality puff pastry for a light, flaky texture.
- These pinwheels can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: jalapeño pinwheels, cheese pinwheels, puff pastry snack, party appetizer, spicy snack
