Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

These jalapeño and cheese pinwheels are a perfect savory snack or party appetizer. Crisp, flaky puff pastry wraps a spicy, cheesy filling that’s sure to please anyone who loves a little heat with their cheese. They are quick to prepare and bake to golden perfection.

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, chopped cheese slices, grated red Leicester, pickled jalapeños, and hot sauce if using. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well and set aside.
2. Step 2: Unroll the puff pastry sheet and spread the cheese mixture evenly over the surface, reaching all the way to the edges.
3. Step 3: Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the pastry into a tight spiral. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into 12 equal pinwheels.
4. Step 4: Place the pinwheels on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, spacing them apart to allow for expansion. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Brush each pinwheel lightly with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
6. Step 6: Bake the pinwheels for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden, puffed, and risen. Allow to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of jalapeños or omit the hot sauce.
• Try swapping red Leicester for cheddar or a smoky cheese for extra depth.
• If you prefer, use fresh jalapeños but make sure to adjust the quantity to your taste.
• Brush pinwheels with milk instead of beaten egg for a softer finish.

Storage

Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven at 160°C until warmed through to keep them crispy. These pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen before baking—just thaw and bake 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 assemble the pinwheels and keep them chilled for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them a great make-ahead appetizer option.

What can I use if I don’t have pickled jalapeños?

You can substitute with fresh jalapeños, finely chopped and deseeded for less heat, or use another pickled chili for a similar tangy spice.

Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 52 reviews

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

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Description

These Jalapeño & Cheese Pinwheels are a deliciously cheesy, mildly spicy snack made with puff pastry, a blend of soft and red Leicester cheese, and tangy pickled jalapeños. Perfect for parties or a savory treat, they combine creamy, sharp, and spicy flavors wrapped in golden, flaky pastry.

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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 pepper, to taste

Pastry

• 320g ready-rolled puff pastry sheet
• 1 egg, beaten

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Instructions

1. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the soft cheese, chopped cheese slices, grated red Leicester cheese, pickled jalapeños, and hot sauce if using. Season the mixture well with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then set aside to allow flavors to meld.
2. Assemble Pinwheels: Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. Evenly spread the cheese and jalapeño mixture over the entire surface right up to the edges. Starting from the longer side, carefully roll the pastry into a tight spiral, creating a log shape.
3. Slice and Chill: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled pastry into 12 equal pinwheels. Arrange them on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, ensuring they are spaced well apart to allow even baking. Place the tray in the refrigerator and chill the pinwheels for 20 minutes to firm up the shape and help them hold during baking.
4. Preheat Oven and Prepare for Baking: Set your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6, allowing it to fully preheat for consistent baking. Before baking, brush the tops of each pinwheel with the beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish.
5. Bake Pinwheels: Place the chilled pinwheels in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed up, golden brown, and crisp. The cheese should be melted and the puff pastry light and flaky.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool on the baking tray for about 5 minutes. Serve warm as a tasty snack or appetizer that showcases spicy jalapeño and rich cheese flavors encased in flaky pastry.

Notes

• For less heat, reduce the amount of jalapeños or use mild pickled jalapeños.
• If you prefer, substitute the red Leicester with cheddar or another firm cheese.
• Chilling the pinwheels before baking helps maintain their shape and prevents the cheese from leaking out.
• Brush with egg wash carefully to ensure an even golden color without making the pastry soggy.
• These pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in the oven.

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

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