Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Introduction
These jalapeño and cheese pinwheels are a deliciously spicy snack perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Crispy puff pastry combined with a rich, cheesy filling and a kick of jalapeños makes every bite flavorful 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
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the soft cheese, cheese chunks, grated red leicester, chopped jalapeños, and hot sauce if using. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well and set aside.
- Step 2: Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a clean surface and spread the cheese mixture evenly over it, reaching all the way to the edges.
- Step 3: Starting from a longer side, roll the pastry tightly into a spiral. Slice the roll into 12 equal pinwheels.
- Step 4: Place the pinwheels on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, spacing them apart. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Brush the pinwheels with the beaten egg for a shiny finish.
- 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 a milder version, use fewer jalapeños or omit the hot sauce.
- Try adding chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for extra freshness.
- Use a combination of cheeses you prefer for varying flavor profiles.
- If you don’t have ready-rolled pastry, you can roll out your own puff pastry to the same size.
Storage
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. These are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen before baking; thaw in the fridge before baking 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 slice the pinwheels, then chill or freeze them before baking. Just make sure to thaw fully if frozen and bake straight from chilled.
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled?
Fresh jalapeños can be used, but pickled jalapeños add a tangy flavor that complements the cheese well. If using fresh, consider roasting or sautéing them slightly to mellow the heat.
Print
Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
Description
These Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels are a deliciously spicy and cheesy appetizer perfect for parties or a flavorful snack. Made with a blend of soft cheese, cheddar varieties, and pickled jalapeños rolled in buttery puff pastry, they bake until golden and puffed for an irresistible treat.
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 pepper, to season
Pastry and Finish
- 320g ready-rolled puff pastry sheet
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the soft cheese, small chunks of cheese slices, coarsely grated red Leicester cheese, roughly chopped pickled jalapeños, and optional hot sauce. Season the mixture well with salt and pepper and mix thoroughly to combine. Set this filling aside.
- Assemble the Pinwheels: Unroll the ready-rolled puff pastry on a clean surface. Spread the cheese and jalapeño mixture evenly over the entire sheet, reaching right to the edges. Carefully roll the pastry into a tight spiral starting from one of the longer sides to form a log shape.
- Slice and Chill: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal pinwheels. Arrange the pinwheels spaced apart on a baking tray lined with baking parchment. Chill the prepared pinwheels in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up before baking.
- Bake the Pinwheels: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the pinwheels are puffed up, risen, and golden brown.
- Serve Warm: Remove the tray from the oven and allow the pinwheels to cool for about 5 minutes on the tray. Serve the pinwheels warm as a flavorful snack or appetizer.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of jalapeños for more or less heat according to your preference.
- Using ready-rolled puff pastry saves time, but homemade puff pastry works well too for a richer flavor.
- To make them ahead, assemble and chill the pinwheels, then freeze before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Brush the tops with egg wash for a shiny, golden finish, or use milk or cream as an alternative.
- Serve these pinwheels as party appetizers, snack with drinks, or as a fun lunchbox treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Jalapeño pinwheels, cheese appetizers, spicy snacks, puff pastry snacks, party finger food
