Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

These Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels are a perfect blend of creamy cheeses with a spicy kick from pickled jalapeños. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they make an ideal snack or party appetizer that’s quick and easy to prepare.

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 right up to the edges.
3. Step 3: Starting from one of the longer sides, roll the pastry tightly into a spiral. Slice the roll into 12 equal pinwheels.
4. Step 4: Place the pinwheels on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, ensuring they are spaced well apart. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes to help them hold their shape.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6. Brush each pinwheel with the beaten egg to encourage a golden finish.
6. Step 6: Bake the pinwheels for 20-25 minutes until they are puffed up, golden, and cooked through. Let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add fresh chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mix.
• Use different cheese combinations like cheddar and mozzarella for varied flavors and textures.
• If you prefer less spice, rinse the pickled jalapeños to reduce their heat before chopping.
• These pinwheels can be made ahead and frozen before baking—just add a few extra minutes to baking time if cooking from frozen.

Storage

Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving to maintain the pastry’s flakiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels vegan?

Yes, use vegan puff pastry and substitute the cheeses with vegan alternatives. For the egg wash, you can brush with a little plant-based milk or oil to achieve a golden crust.

Can I prepare the pinwheels in advance?

Absolutely. You can assemble the pinwheels and keep them chilled for up to 24 hours before baking. They also freeze well unbaked; just thaw in the fridge before baking and extend the cooking time slightly.

Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 103 reviews

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

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Description

These Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful snack or party appetizer combining creamy soft cheese, tangy red Leicester, spicy pickled jalapeños, and a hint of hot sauce all rolled in flaky puff pastry. Baked until golden and puffed, these bite-sized pinwheels offer a perfect balance of heat and cheesiness in every bite.

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Ingredients

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Cheese Mixture

• 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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the soft cheese, small cheese chunks, coarsely grated red Leicester, roughly chopped pickled jalapeños, and hot sauce if desired. Season the mixture well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until fully integrated and set aside.
2. Assemble the pinwheels: Unroll the ready-rolled puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. Evenly spread the prepared cheese and jalapeño mixture over the entire pastry sheet, right up to the edges, ensuring full coverage.
3. Roll and slice: Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the pastry into a spiral log. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 12 equal pinwheels.
4. Chill before baking: Place the pinwheels on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, spacing them well apart to allow for puffing. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up the pastry.
5. Bake the pinwheels: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Brush the tops of the pinwheels lightly with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake them for 20-25 minutes until they are risen, puffed, and golden brown.
6. Cool and serve: Let the pinwheels cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes. Serve warm as a tasty snack or appetizer.

Notes

• For extra heat, increase the amount of pickled jalapeños or add more hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
• If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the jalapeños or omit the hot sauce.
• These pinwheels are best served fresh on the day but can be reheated gently in a low oven before serving.
• Puff pastry can be substituted with homemade if preferred, but ensure it is well chilled before rolling.

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

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