Description
Pesto Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry filled with fragrant basil pesto, savory prosciutto, and melted cheeses. These bite-sized spirals are perfect for parties or casual gatherings and can be served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry and Filling
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (thawed overnight in the refrigerator)
- 1/2 cup Basil Pesto (or flavored pesto of your choice, divided)
- 10 slices prosciutto (divided, about 1 packet or 5 ounces)
- 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded Mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
For Serving (Optional)
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the first sheet of puff pastry on a lightly dusted work surface and roll it into a 10x12-inch rectangle.
- Spread Pesto: Spread 1/4 cup of basil pesto over the surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides.
- Layer Fillings: Lay 5 slices of prosciutto evenly over the pesto, overlapping slightly, then sprinkle with 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese.
- Roll Pastry: Starting from the long 12-inch side, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log, pressing lightly to enclose the filling. Trim the ends evenly and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Chill Log: Refrigerate the wrapped log for at least 20 minutes or up to 1 day. Repeat this process with the second sheet of puff pastry and remaining pesto, prosciutto, and cheese.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Slice Rolls: Remove chilled logs from the fridge and, using a sharp serrated knife, cut each into 1/2-inch-wide slices, yielding 24 pinwheels per log.
- Arrange for Baking: Place pinwheels spiral side up on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake for 18 minutes until puff pastry is golden and flaky, and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Sprinkle immediately with chopped fresh basil if desired, let cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use flavored pesto varieties like sun-dried tomato or arugula for a unique twist.
- These pinwheels can be frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Substitute prosciutto with thinly sliced turkey or ham for a different flavor.
- Chilling the logs ensures easier slicing and helps maintain pinwheel shape during baking.
- Keep the puff pastry cold until ready to use to prevent sticking and tearing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 4 mg
