Swirly Pesto Pinwheels A Taste of Italy in Every Bite

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever fancy a posh cheese straw? I'm here to tell you about these incredible Pesto Pinwheels ! They are bursting with Italian flavours, a delightful twist on a classic snack.

The vibrant pesto and flaky pastry make them utterly irresistible.

Brief Overview

These Italian Pinwheel Appetizers have roots in simple Italian home cooking, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.

They're a medium difficulty bake, taking about an hour to make, give or take. This recipe yields about 12 pinwheels, perfect for sharing.

..or not!

Main Benefits

Honestly, the best thing is how impressive these Flaky Pesto Pinwheels look and taste. They are great to bring at parties, and are absolutely scrumptious! Also, they're packed with the goodness of basil, offering a lovely antioxidant boost.

Swirly Pesto Pinwheels A Taste of Italy in Every Bite Recipe Card

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Preparation time:55 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:12 pinwheels

Ingredients:

• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 225g (1 cup or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into cubes
• 120ml (1/2 cup) ice water
• 115g (4 ounces) fresh basil leaves, packed
• 60g (1/4 cup) pine nuts, toasted lightly
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 60g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• 120ml (1/2 cup) extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 100g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk or water

Instructions:

• Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
• If making homemade pesto: Combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while pulsing until the pesto is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F or Gas Mark 6). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle (about 12x18 inches). Spread the pesto evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for another 15 minutes to make slicing easier.
• Remove the log from the refrigerator and slice into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:250-300 calories

Fat:18-22g

Fiber:N/A

Recipe Info

Category:Appetizer

Cuisine:Italian

All About Those Swirls: look into Into The Dough!

Looking for a quick and yummy bite? Pesto Puff Pastry Pinwheel are your friend. Honestly, these aren't just any pinwheels.

They're like mini pizza swirls, but with a more refined palate, if that makes sense?

The Secret's In The Sauce: Perfecting Your Pesto

Want to make these Homemade Pesto Pinwheels even better? Well, the secret is the pesto! You can use store-bought, of course.

But freshly made is the bee's knees! It brings that extra zest! Also, remember to toast your pine nuts. It really brings out their flavour .

Baking Bliss: From Dough To Delight

Right, let's talk about baking these beauties. Preheat your oven to 200° C ( 400° F). Remember to keep an eye on them; you want them golden brown, not charcoal! Honestly, the smell alone is worth the effort.

They bake for 15-20 minutes.

Pinwheel Party: Serving Suggestions and Savory Thoughts

These Easy Pesto Pinwheels Recipe make a fantastic appie. Serve them warm with a side of marinara for dipping. What makes them special? They're incredibly versatile! Whether you call them Veg Pizza Pinwheels or Pesto Pizza Roll Ups , they are super easy to customise with fillings and toppings to your tastes.

Honestly? It's like a hug from the inside. Enjoy, my friend!

Ingredients & Equipment for Proper Pesto Pinwheels

Let’s dive into what you need to create these marvellous Pesto Pinwheels . This recipe is all about fresh, vibrant flavors. Don't worry, it's easier than you think.

Main Ingredients

• For the Dough:

  • 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting.
  • ½ teaspoon salt.
  • 225g (1 cup or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed. The butter needs to be cold . Trust me.
  • 120ml (½ cup) ice water. Keep it icy!

• For the Pesto Filling:

  • 115g (4 ounces) fresh basil leaves, packed. Fresh basil is key to amazing Pesto Pizza Roll Ups .
  • 60g (¼ cup) pine nuts, toasted lightly. Toasting them gives a nice nutty flavour.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced.
  • 60g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese.
  • 120ml (½ cup) extra virgin olive oil.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
  • 100g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese.

• For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 large egg, beaten.
  • 1 tablespoon milk or water.

Seasoning Notes

Our essential combo here is basil, garlic, and Parmesan. This gives us that classic Italian zing for these Italian Pinwheel Appetizers .

A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little with these Pesto and Cheese Swirls !

For flavour enhancers, use high-quality Parmesan cheese. It makes a huge difference. If you're short on time, shop-bought pesto works too.

No judgement here. If you don't have pine nuts, try walnuts. They're a good substitute.

Equipment Needed

You don't need fancy gear. A good rolling pin is essential for these Flaky Pesto Pinwheels . You also need a baking sheet.

I use parchment paper for easy cleanup. A pizza cutter is ideal for slicing the Pesto Pinwheels , but a sharp knife will do.

Essential tools : Food processor (optional), rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper, pizza cutter, pastry brush.

A good rolling pin is a must. Honestly, a cheap one will just make you angry. You can use a food processor to make the pesto.

I often use a good old mortar and pestle, because I'm like that. For alternatives, use your fingers to blend in the dough.

If you lack parchment paper just grease up that baking sheet.

Now you are armed with all the knowledge to create great Easy Pesto Pinwheels Recipe .

Mastering the Method: Pesto Pinwheel Perfection

Right, let's dive into making these seriously moreish Pesto Pinwheels . They're not just any old snack. These are next-level Italian Pinwheel Appetizers! We will use Puff Pastry for making these Pesto Puff Pastry Pinwheels .

Honestly, once you've had a Flaky Pesto Pinwheel , you'll never look at a cheese straw the same way again.

Trust me .

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place , as the fancy chefs say. Get all your ingredients prepped and measured out.

This isn't just for show, it's a total game-changer. Chop the basil, toast those pine nuts (watch they don't burn!), grate the Parmesan.

Have it all ready to go, and it makes life a breeze. Also, and this is important: ensure your butter is ice cold .

Seriously, the colder the better for that flaky pastry.

Step-by-Step: Swirling into Deliciousness

1. Get that oven preheating to 200° C . Line a baking sheet. No one wants a sticky mess.
2. Roll out your chilled dough on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a rectangle about 12x18 inches .
3. Spread that lush pesto all over, leaving a small border. We want flavour, not a pesto explosion in the oven.
4. Sprinkle on your mozzarella. Go wild!
5. Tightly roll the dough into a log. Wrap it in cling film. Chill for 15 minutes . This makes slicing easier and we get perfect slices to become Pizza Pinwheels.
6. Slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels. They should look a bit like cinnamon rolls.
7. Place them on your baking sheet, brush with that egg wash.
8. Bake for 15- 20 minutes , until golden and puffed.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Pinwheels

Okay, listen up. Don’t overwork the dough! It's a one-way ticket to tough pinwheels. Nobody wants that . Chill the dough, chilling is key.

It relaxes the gluten and makes it easier to work with. And don't be shy with the Pesto! Really go bold for these Homemade Pesto Pinwheels

Want to get ahead? You can make the dough a day in advance and chill it. You can also assemble the pinwheels and freeze them before baking.

Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

In a nutshell

So there you have it: these Easy Pesto Pinwheels Recipe are guaranteed to wow. Imagine biting into the Veg Pizza Pinwheels with a swirl of pesto and the aroma wafting through the air, just like in Italy.

They’re perfect for parties, picnics, or just a cheeky mid-week snack to liven things up a bit. Enjoy the process and your Pesto Pizza Roll Ups .

Recipe Notes for the Best Pesto Pinwheels Ever!

Right, so you’ve got the recipe for these amazing Pesto Pinwheels . I just wanna share a few extra bits and bobs to make sure your baking sesh goes off without a hitch! Honestly, these Flaky Pesto Pinwheels are easier than they look.

But a few extra tips never hurt, eh?

Serving Suggestions: Show 'Em Off!

Presentation is key, innit? Don't just chuck these Italian Pinwheel Appetizers on a plate. Arrange them nicely! I like to serve mine on a wooden board with a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

They look proper fancy that way. A few sprigs of fresh basil never go amiss either. They're also brilliant in lunchboxes or even on a picnic.

Honestly, you could even try to do Pesto Pizza Roll Ups !

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!

Right, if you've got any leftover Homemade Pesto Pinwheels (unlikely, but hey!), you can keep them in the fridge. Pop them in an airtight container, and they'll be good for about three days.

To reheat, just whack them in the oven for a few minutes until they're warm. You can freeze these too! Make sure they are well wrapped, and they'll be good for up to a month.

Just let them defrost fully before reheating.

Variations: Get Creative!

Fancy a change? Swap out the mozzarella for a different cheese. Cheddar works a treat! Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try some sun-dried tomatoes in the pesto for a bit of a kick.

For a veggie option, load them up with extra vegetables before rolling. A great way to do Veg Pizza Pinwheels , You know, these Pesto and Cheese Swirls are super versatile.

And if you want to go for Pizza Pinwheels instead, just use tomato sauce.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bite

Okay, so these Easy Pesto Pinwheels Recipe aren't exactly health food. But they're not awful , either. They've got some protein from the cheese, and the pesto has some healthy fats.

One pinwheel is about 250-300 calories. Just try not to eat the whole batch in one sitting, alright? They are super tempting, though.

So, It is always a great choice to eat Pesto Puff Pastry Pinwheel !

Right, that's all from me! Go forth and bake some awesome Pesto Pinwheels . You got this! And don't worry if they don't look perfect. They'll still taste amazing. Happy baking!