Pesto Mozzarella Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

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If you are looking to impress your guests with a delightful appetizer that’s both elegant and effortless, the Pesto Mozzarella Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, flaky pinwheels feature the perfect marriage of fresh, aromatic pesto and melty mozzarella cheese nestled inside buttery puff pastry. Every bite bursts with incredible flavor and a satisfying texture, making them an ideal crowd-pleaser for parties, weeknight snacks, or even a fun brunch addition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pesto Mozzarella Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from flaky puff pastry providing that irresistible crunch to fresh pesto that offers a vibrant herbaceous punch, balanced perfectly by creamy mozzarella cheese.

• Puff Pastry Sheets: These thawed sheets form the delicate, buttery base of the pinwheels, creating that signature light and flaky texture.
• Pesto (about 6 tablespoons): Choose a fresh, fragrant pesto to add herbal brightness and rich flavor that perfectly complements the cheese.
• Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese (10 slices): This cheese melts beautifully without releasing too much moisture, helping maintain the pinwheels’ crispness.

How to Make Pesto Mozzarella Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry and Cheese Layers

Begin by rolling out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a clean surface to smooth and even them. On one sheet, carefully arrange half of your mozzarella slices, cutting them in half if needed so they cover the pastry almost edge to edge. Repeat the process with the other puff pastry sheet and remaining cheese. This creates a luscious cheesy foundation for your pinwheels.

Step 2: Spread the Pesto

Next, dollop about 3 tablespoons of pesto onto each pastry-covered cheese layer. Using the back of a spoon or a small spatula, spread the pesto evenly over the cheese, ensuring every bite packs a burst of that irresistible basil and garlic flavor. This step is essential to infusing the pinwheels with their signature taste.

Step 3: Roll and Chill the Pastry Logs

Carefully roll each puff pastry sheet into a tight log, starting from one edge and rolling to the other, keeping the layers snug. Place the logs seam side down on a plate or pan to prevent them from unraveling. Pop the logs into the fridge for about 20 minutes to firm up—this makes slicing easier and helps the pinwheels hold their shape during baking.

Step 4: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

While the logs chill, preheat your oven to 400º F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper which not only prevents sticking but also ensures even baking and easy cleanup. This small step sets you up for perfect pinwheels.

Step 5: Slice Into Pinwheels

Remove the chilled logs from the fridge and place one seam side down on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into 12 even pinwheels. You should have 24 pinwheels in total. Arrange 12 on each parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving at least an inch of space between each to allow for expansion as they bake.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Flaky

Slide the sheets into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the pinwheels puff up beautifully and turn a delicious golden-brown color. Serve them immediately for that fresh-from-the-oven wow factor, or refrigerate or freeze if saving for later. The aroma alone will have everyone eager to dig in!

How to Serve Pesto Mozzarella Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Garnishes

These pinwheels are stunning as-is but can be jazzed up with a few garnishes. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a handful of toasted pine nuts adds a crunch and nutty aroma that blends beautifully with the pesto flavor. Fresh basil leaves placed on the serving platter enhance the presentation and elevate the herbal notes.

Side Dishes

The Pesto Mozzarella Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe pairs wonderfully with many dishes. Serve alongside a crisp mixed greens salad tossed with a light lemon vinaigrette, or enjoy with a bowl of warm tomato soup for a comforting combo. They also make a great companion to charcuterie boards, adding a cheesy, flaky option to the savory spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, thread the baked pinwheels onto skewers for a playful party appetizer. You can also cut smaller bite-sized pieces for cocktail gatherings. Serving them on a rustic wooden board accented with colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes and olives creates a visually inviting platter that invites guests to dive right in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with any leftovers—which often happens because they’re so moreish—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispness, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave whenever possible.

Freezing

You can freeze the pinwheel logs before slicing or the baked pinwheels themselves. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. For baked pinwheels, freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. This method lets you enjoy this Pesto Mozzarella Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe anytime with very little effort.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, preheat your oven to 350º F and bake the pinwheels on a parchment-lined sheet for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. This restores their flakiness and gooey cheese texture, making them taste just as good as fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works wonderfully and saves time. Just opt for a fresh, good-quality brand to ensure vibrant flavor that shines through in the pinwheels.

Is there a substitute for low-moisture mozzarella cheese?

You can use fresh mozzarella, but be mindful it’s wetter and may add extra moisture to the pastry. To counteract this, pat the cheese dry before using or slice it thinner to prevent sogginess.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, using gluten-free puff pastry available in many stores makes this recipe accessible for gluten-sensitive guests. Just keep in mind gluten-free puff pastry can behave slightly differently during baking.

How far in advance can I prepare these pinwheels?

You can roll and slice the pinwheels a day ahead and store them uncooked in the fridge. Bake them fresh before serving for the best puff and crispiness.

What can I serve with these pinwheels for a full meal?

Pairing these pinwheels with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables creates a balanced meal. They also complement soups and light pasta dishes beautifully if you want a more filling meal.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Pesto Mozzarella Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe that makes every gathering feel a little more festive and every snack time a little more indulgent. Its perfect balance of flavors and textures, combined with the ease of preparation, means you can whip up a crowd-pleaser without breaking a sweat. Give this recipe a go and watch how quickly these golden pinwheels disappear from the plate — your taste buds and guests will thank you!

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