Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels

INTRODUCTION

Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels are delicious and easy snacks that bring the taste of the Mediterranean to your home. These little bites are filled with creamy cheese, savory pesto, and bright flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and olives. They are perfect for parties, gatherings, or even a quick snack at home. With their flaky, golden crust and flavorful filling, Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this recipe because it is simple to make and full of flavor. The use of frozen puff pastry takes away the hassle of making dough from scratch, so you can enjoy baking without the extra work. The combination of cream cheese, pesto, and tasty Mediterranean ingredients makes these pinwheels a delightful treat. Plus, they are perfect for people of all ages and can be served hot or at room temperature. The pinwheels also look beautiful on a platter, making them a lovely addition to any table.

HOW TO MAKE Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels

Making Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels is an easy process. You will need only a few ingredients and simple steps. First, you will prepare your ingredients and then assemble them with the puff pastry. The baking process makes the pinwheels puffy and golden, resulting in a scrumptious snack. By following these steps, you will have a tasty dish that everyone will enjoy.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels, you will need the following equipment:

• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowl
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Plastic wrap or freezer-safe container (for freezing)

Ingredients You’ll Need

1. 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
2. 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
3. 1/4 cup prepared pesto
4. 3/4 cup shredded provolone cheese
5. 1/2 cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
6. 1/2 cup chopped ripe olives
7. 1/4 teaspoon pepper

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is important to ensure your pinwheels bake evenly and become golden brown.

2. Unfold the puff pastry. Take the sheet of puff pastry out of the package and unfold it carefully.

3. Roll and trim the pastry. Use a rolling pin to roll the pastry into a 10-inch square. You may need to trim the edges to make it neat.

4. Mix the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and pesto until smooth. Stir in the shredded provolone cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped olives, and pepper until everything is mixed well.

5. Spread the cheese mixture. Take the filling and spread it evenly onto the puff pastry, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges.

6. Roll the pastry. Starting from one edge, roll the pastry up tightly, like a jelly roll.

7. Freeze the roll. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This will help it hold its shape while cutting.

8. Cut into slices. Remove the rolled pastry from the freezer, and use a knife or pizza cutter to slice it crosswise into 16 equal pieces.

9. Prepare for baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the pinwheels cut side down on the prepared baking sheet.

10. Bake the pinwheels. Bake in the preheated oven until they are golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.

HOW TO SERVE Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels

Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels can be served warm or at room temperature. Arrange them on a serving platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves or additional pesto if desired. They make a great appetizer, snack, or finger food for any occasion, including picnics and parties. Pair them with a refreshing salad or a light dipping sauce to enhance the flavors.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep them fresh, place parchment paper between layers of pinwheels. If you want to freeze the pinwheels, you can freeze the rolled pastry before baking. After slicing, you can also freeze unbaked pinwheels. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then foil, and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, you can cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

These pinwheels pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces. Consider serving them with a simple marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or additional pesto. You can also serve them alongside a fresh green salad or a charcuterie board with various cheeses and meats. A glass of sparkling water or a chilled white wine complements the flavors of the Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels perfectly.

VARIATIONS

There are many ways to change up your Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels. Here are some ideas:

• Add more veggies: Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or artichoke hearts into the filling.
• Use different cheeses: Swap provolone cheese for feta, mozzarella, or goat cheese for a different flavor.
• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the filling for a little heat.
• Change the pesto: Experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto, for variations in flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make these pinwheels in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and roll the pastry in advance. Just freeze the rolled pastry until you’re ready to bake.

2. Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of frozen?
Certainly! If you prefer homemade puff pastry and have the time, go ahead and make it. The process will be similar.

3. What can I serve with Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels?
These pinwheels go well with various dips like marinara, ranch dressing, or a fresh salad.

4. Can I add meat to the filling?
Yes! You can add cooked and chopped chicken, turkey, or prosciutto to the filling for an extra protein boost.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels

To streamline the process, consider prepping the filling a day ahead. You can also roll the pastry and slice it in advance. Simply freeze the slices, and when you’re ready to serve, bake them straight from the freezer. This way, once your guests arrive, you can have fresh, warm Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels ready in no time! They will appreciate the effort, and you will enjoy the time saved.

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