Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

These jalapeño and cheese pinwheels are a perfect combination of spicy and cheesy wrapped in flaky puff pastry. They make a great snack or appetizer that’s quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

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, red Leicester cheese, pickled 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: Roll the pastry tightly into a spiral starting from one of the longer sides, then slice the roll into 12 even pinwheels.
4. Step 4: Place the pinwheels on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, making sure to space them well apart. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Brush the pinwheels lightly with the beaten egg.
6. Step 6: Bake the pinwheels for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden, puffed up, and risen.
7. Step 7: Allow the pinwheels to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder version, reduce the jalapeños or omit the hot sauce completely.
• Try adding chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
• Use different cheeses such as cheddar or mozzarella to change the taste profile.
• Make these ahead of time and freeze before baking; bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.

Storage

Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven until warmed through to keep the pastry crisp. They are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen before baking for up to 1 month.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled?

Yes, but fresh jalapeños are hotter and less tangy than pickled ones, so adjust the quantity to your heat preference and consider adding a splash of vinegar to mimic the pickled flavor.

Can I make these pinwheels vegan?

To make vegan pinwheels, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative and vegan puff pastry. Omit the egg wash or replace it with a plant-based milk glaze to help browning.

Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 95 reviews

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

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Description

These Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels are a deliciously cheesy and spicy appetizer featuring a crisp puff pastry wrapped around a flavorful mixture of soft cheese, cheddar, and pickled jalapeños. Perfectly baked until golden and puffed, they make an irresistible snack or party finger food with a subtle kick.

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Ingredients

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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 taste

Pastry

• 320g ready-rolled puff pastry sheet
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the soft cheese, chopped cheese slices, grated red leicester, chopped pickled jalapeños, and hot sauce if using. Season well with salt and pepper, then mix thoroughly to create an even cheese filling.
2. Assemble the pinwheels: Unroll the ready-rolled puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, ensuring it reaches right up to the edges. Carefully roll the pastry up tightly from one of the longer sides, forming a spiral log.
3. Slice and chill: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry into 12 equal pinwheels. Place them spaced apart on a baking tray lined with baking parchment. Chill the pinwheels in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking.
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Brush the pinwheels lightly with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are golden, puffed up, and risen.
5. Serve: Allow the pinwheels to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm as a tasty appetizer or snack.

Notes

• You can adjust the amount of jalapeños or hot sauce to control the heat level.
• Chilling the pinwheels before baking helps them hold their shape and results in crispier pastry.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven for best results.
• If you prefer, substitute red leicester with mature cheddar for a different flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

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