Pumpkin Pinwheels: A Savory Treat for Any Occasion

Looking for a fun and savory snack to impress your guests? Pumpkin Pinwheels are the perfect appetizer that combines creamy cheese, savory roasted red peppers, and a delicate crescent roll dough. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or preparing a delicious snack for any occasion, these easy-to-make pinwheels offer both flavor and convenience. Add some pretzel sticks and cilantro for extra flair and flavor!

For more recipe inspiration with pumpkin, check out Food Network’s Fall Recipes or Bon Appétit’s Savory Pumpkin Dishes.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Pumpkin Pinwheels Recipe | A Savory, Cheesy Snack for Any Occasion

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 16 pinwheels 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Pumpkin Pinwheels are a savory appetizer or snack featuring a creamy, cheesy filling with the rich flavors of roasted red peppers and Italian seasoning, all wrapped in a flaky crescent roll. These pinwheels are perfect for gatherings and holiday parties, offering a delicious bite-sized treat with a touch of warmth and spice. They can be served with pretzel sticks or garnished with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red peppers, drained
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls
Pretzel sticks, optional
Fresh cilantro leaves, optional

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 large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the chopped roasted sweet red peppers, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and onion powder. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Unroll the Crescent Rolls:
- Unroll the refrigerated crescent rolls and separate the dough into the pre-scored triangles.
Assemble the Pinwheels:
- Spread a thin layer of the cheese mixture over each crescent roll triangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from the wide edge, roll each crescent triangle up tightly into a pinwheel shape.
Bake the Pinwheels:
- Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed up.
Optional Garnishing:
- If desired, insert a pretzel stick into the center of each pinwheel for an added crunch. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves to add a touch of color and flavor.
Serve:
- Allow the pumpkin pinwheels to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.

Notes

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pinwheels and refrigerate them before baking. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Customization: For a spicy kick, you can add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the filling.

Serving Suggestions: These pinwheels pair well with a dipping sauce, such as marinara or a ranch dip.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
Calories: 120
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Pumpkin Pinwheels Recipe

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped roasted red peppers, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and onion powder. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend everything together until smooth and fully combined.

2. Roll Out the Crescent Dough:

Open the tubes of refrigerated crescent rolls and unroll them onto a lightly floured surface. Pinch the seams of the dough together to create one large sheet of dough. This will serve as the base for your pinwheels.

3. Spread the Filling:

Evenly spread the cheese and pepper mixture over the entire surface of the crescent dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Be generous with the filling, but avoid overfilling to prevent spillage during rolling.

4. Roll and Slice:

Starting from one edge, carefully roll up the dough, jelly-roll style, making sure the filling stays inside. Once you’ve rolled it up, use a sharp knife to slice the dough into 1-inch wide pinwheels.

5. Bake the Pinwheels:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the crescent dough is fully cooked.

6. Serve and Garnish:

Once the pinwheels are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Optionally, serve the pinwheels with pretzel sticks on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Advanced Techniques for Pumpkin Pinwheels

1. Adding Pumpkin Flavor:

For a true pumpkin pinwheel experience, you can incorporate pumpkin puree into the cream cheese mixture. Add about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree to the filling mixture for a seasonal twist. This will give your pinwheels a rich, fall-inspired flavor.

2. Incorporate More Herbs:

Fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage can be added to the filling to bring in additional earthy flavors that pair beautifully with the cream cheese and roasted red peppers.

3. Experiment with Different Cheeses:

While mozzarella provides a mild and stretchy texture, you can also experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese for a tangier flavor or sharp cheddar for a bolder taste.

4. Make Them Spicy:

For a kick, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or some finely chopped jalapeños to the filling. This will balance out the creaminess of the cheese and give your pinwheels a spicy edge.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

1. Storing Leftovers:

Once the Pumpkin Pinwheels have cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pinwheels will remain tasty and fresh, though the crust may lose some of its crispness.

2. Freezing:

If you want to make the pinwheels in advance, you can freeze them before baking. Simply prepare and slice the pinwheels, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just add 5-7 extra minutes to the baking time, baking from frozen.

3. Reheating:

Reheat the pinwheels in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes until warmed through and the crust is re-crisped. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 30-45 seconds, but the texture won’t be as crisp as oven reheating.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Gluten-Free Version:

To make these pinwheels gluten-free, substitute the refrigerated crescent rolls with gluten-free puff pastry or a gluten-free pie dough. Make sure the dough is sturdy enough to handle the filling without breaking.

2. Dairy-Free Version:

For a dairy-free option, substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and the mozzarella cheese with a dairy-free shredded cheese. You can also use plant-based butter for the crescent roll dough.

3. Low-Carb/Keto:

For a keto-friendly version, opt for a low-carb, gluten-free dough (such as one made with almond flour or coconut flour) and replace the regular cream cheese with full-fat cream cheese or a keto-friendly spread.

FAQs About Pumpkin Pinwheels

1. Can I make these pinwheels in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them just before serving. Alternatively, you can freeze them before baking for a make-ahead option.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar, goat cheese, or even a blend of cheeses would work wonderfully in this recipe.

3. Can I serve these pinwheels at room temperature?

Yes, these pinwheels are delicious at room temperature, making them perfect for parties or picnics. They retain their flavor and texture even after they cool down.

4. How do I prevent the filling from spilling out during baking?

Make sure you seal the edges of the crescent roll dough when rolling it up, and don’t overfill the dough with the cream cheese mixture. This will help ensure the pinwheels stay intact while baking.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Pinwheels are the perfect appetizer or snack to enjoy with friends and family. The creamy filling, savory flavors, and flaky crescent dough make for a delightful treat that is sure to please everyone at the table. With plenty of room for customization, you can adapt these pinwheels to your taste preferences. Whether served as a party snack or a fun fall-inspired dish, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Try these savory Pumpkin Pinwheels made with cream cheese, mozzarella, and roasted red peppers, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Perfect for your next gathering!