Crescent Roll Pinwheels: A Flavorful and Easy Appetizer
If you’re in the mood for a savory and satisfying appetizer, Crescent Roll Pinwheels are the perfect choice. These savory, cheesy pinwheels combine a variety of flavorful ingredients, including garden vegetable cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and a selection of deli meats. They’re easy to make and perfect for serving at parties, family gatherings, or as a delicious snack. Whether you’re craving something cheesy, spicy, or a little bit of both, these Crescent Roll Pinwheels will surely please your taste buds.
Looking for more appetizer ideas? You can check out these quick and easy pinwheel recipes or explore finger foods for parties to add variety to your event.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Making Crescent Roll Pinwheels is simple and quick. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
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Crescent Roll Pinwheels Recipe – Savory, Cheesy, and Perfect for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Crescent Roll Pinwheels are a savory, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that are loaded with flavorful ingredients like garden vegetable cream cheese, mozzarella, and a variety of deli meats. Wrapped in buttery crescent dough and seasoned with Italian herbs, these pinwheels bake up golden brown and irresistible. Perfect for parties, game days, or any time you need a delicious finger food!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces garden vegetable cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup chopped banana peppers, or sweet and spicy salad peppers
- ¼ pound thinly sliced ham, diced
- ¼ pound thinly sliced pepperoni, diced
- ¼ pound thinly sliced salami, diced
- 16 ounces crescent roll dough (2 cans)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened garden vegetable cream cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the chopped banana peppers (or your choice of sweet and spicy salad peppers), diced ham, diced pepperoni, and diced salami. Mix everything together until evenly distributed.
- Assemble the pinwheels:
- Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Pinch the seams together to form one large rectangle.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving about ½ inch from the edges.
- Roll up the dough:
- Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log, enclosing the filling inside.
- Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Prepare for baking:
- Place the pinwheels onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out a little bit.
- Brush the tops of the pinwheels with melted salted butter and sprinkle with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Bake the pinwheels:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the pinwheels are bubbly and slightly crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove the pinwheels from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to get creative with your filling! You can add other vegetables like diced tomatoes, spinach, or olives, or swap the deli meats for other varieties you prefer.
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a bit of garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
- You can prepare the pinwheels ahead of time, refrigerate them, and bake them just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Party Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Crescent Roll Pinwheels
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened garden vegetable cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped banana peppers, diced ham, diced pepperoni, and diced salami. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth.
- Prepare the dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean, flat surface. Separate the dough into the individual triangles as indicated on the packaging.
- Spread the filling: Spread a generous tablespoon of the prepared filling over each crescent roll triangle, leaving a little space along the edges to avoid overfilling.
- Roll the pinwheels: Starting from the wide end of the triangle, tightly roll up the dough to form a pinwheel shape.
- Prepare for baking: Place the rolled pinwheels onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly. Brush the top of each pinwheel with the melted salted butter and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Bake: Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best taste!
Advanced Techniques
While the basic recipe is already fantastic, there are several advanced techniques you can use to elevate these Crescent Roll Pinwheels to the next level.
Add Extra Layers of Cheese
For an extra cheesy experience, consider layering additional cheese between the filling and the dough. Try adding a mixture of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, or even a touch of Parmesan for a sharp, savory flavor. The more cheese, the better!
Make It Spicy
If you prefer a spicy kick, try adding sliced jalapeños or hot chili peppers to the filling. Alternatively, you can mix in a bit of hot sauce or sriracha to the cream cheese to give the pinwheels some heat. This works wonderfully if you’re making these for a crowd that loves bold flavors.
Incorporate Fresh Herbs
For a fresh, aromatic twist, add a few finely chopped fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or rosemary to the filling. This will enhance the flavor and give the pinwheels a more complex taste profile.
Use Different Meats
While this recipe uses ham, pepperoni, and salami, feel free to swap these for other meats like turkey, chicken, or bacon. You could also make a vegetarian version by adding roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms instead of meat.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Crescent Roll Pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can be stored for later if needed. Here’s how to store and maintain their freshness.
Storing Leftovers
After baking, allow the Crescent Roll Pinwheels to cool to room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pinwheels on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will help them regain their crispy texture. If you’re in a rush, you can microwave them for 20-30 seconds, though the texture will be softer.
Freezing for Later
If you want to prepare these pinwheels ahead of time, you can freeze them before baking. Simply assemble the pinwheels, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen pinwheels on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Crescent Roll Pinwheels can easily be adapted to meet various dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and ideas for making these pinwheels more inclusive.
Gluten-Free Version
To make the pinwheels gluten-free, use gluten-free crescent roll dough, which is available in many grocery stores or online. You can also try making your own gluten-free dough if preferred.
Vegetarian Version
To make the pinwheels vegetarian, simply omit the meats and use more vegetables. Consider adding spinach, artichokes, roasted peppers, or even a mix of cheeses for a filling vegetarian option.
Dairy-Free Substitutes
If you’re looking for dairy-free options, replace the cream cheese and mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives. Many brands offer plant-based cream cheese and shredded cheese that work well in this recipe. Use a dairy-free butter substitute for brushing the pinwheels.
Low-Sodium Option
For a lower-sodium version, opt for low-sodium versions of the deli meats or substitute them with leaner proteins like chicken breast or turkey. You can also reduce the amount of Italian seasoning or use a salt-free version.
FAQs About The Recipe
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella is the most common choice, you can substitute it with cheddar, gouda, or provolone for a different flavor. For a sharper taste, you could also add Parmesan or Romano.
Can I prepare Crescent Roll Pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels ahead of time. After assembling them, store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them before baking and cook them later.
Can I use different meats in the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different deli meats like turkey, chicken, or even bacon. You could also make a vegetarian version with just cheese and veggies.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Crescent Roll Pinwheels are an incredibly easy, versatile, and delicious appetizer that’s sure to impress any crowd. Whether you’re serving them at a party, for a family gathering, or simply as a savory snack, these pinwheels are a guaranteed hit. The combination of savory meats, creamy cheese, and the flaky crescent dough is absolutely irresistible.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients, making it as cheesy, spicy, or veggie-filled as you like. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always delicious. Happy cooking!