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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
