This recipe provides instructions for making savory cheese and herb pinwheels, flaky and flavorful pastries perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light bite. These pinwheels are typically made with puff pastry as the base, spread with a mixture of cheese (such as cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend), fresh or dried herbs (like parsley, thyme, or rosemary), and sometimes other savory additions like garlic or spices. The pastry is then rolled up tightly, sliced into rounds, and baked until golden brown and puffed. The result is a visually appealing and delicious pastry with layers of flaky crust and a savory, cheesy, and aromatic filling. The image shows two baking sheets filled with numerous golden-brown, puffy pastries. These pastries have a distinct pinwheel shape, indicating they were rolled and sliced before baking. The flaky layers of the puff pastry are clearly visible, and the filling appears to be a mixture of cheese and possibly herbs, giving some of the pinwheels a slightly speckled appearance.
The key ingredient providing the flaky texture is puff pastry, which can be store-bought for convenience or made from scratch.
The savory filling typically includes shredded cheese. Cheddar cheese is a common choice for its flavor and meltability. Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty note. Other cheeses like Gruyere or a blend can also be used.
Fresh or dried herbs are essential for adding aromatic flavor. Parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and chives are popular choices.
Garlic, either fresh minced or garlic powder, can be added for a savory kick.
Spices like black pepper, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can enhance the overall flavor.
An egg wash (beaten egg with a little water or milk) is often brushed over the pinwheels before baking to promote a golden-brown color and a glossy finish.
The preparation involves thawing puff pastry sheets and laying them flat. A mixture of shredded cheese, chopped herbs, garlic (if using), and spices is then spread evenly over the pastry. The pastry is rolled up tightly into a log. This log is then sliced into rounds, typically about ½ to ¾ inch thick, creating the pinwheel shape. The pinwheels are placed on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. An egg wash can be brushed over the tops. The pinwheels are then baked in a preheated oven until they are golden brown and puffed up, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Savory cheese and herb pinwheels are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven, when they are at their flakiest and the cheese is melted and gooey.
The texture is a delightful combination of the light, crisp, and flaky puff pastry and the soft, cheesy, and slightly chewy filling.
The flavor is savory and cheesy, with aromatic notes from the herbs and a possible hint of garlic and spices.
Savory cheese and herb pinwheels are flaky pastries made with puff pastry filled with cheese and herbs, rolled, sliced, and baked until golden brown.
The preparation involves spreading a cheese and herb mixture on puff pastry, rolling it up, slicing it into pinwheels, and baking.
Ingredients ( अनुमानित based on common recipes):
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend)
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary, or a combination) or 1-2 teaspoons dried herbs
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional) or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or other spices to taste)
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water or milk (for egg wash)
Equipment:
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Large cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (for filling)
- Pastry brush (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese, chopped fresh herbs (or dried herbs), minced garlic or garlic powder (if using), and black pepper (or other spices). Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Pinwheels: Lay one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Spread half of the cheese and herb mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
- Roll the Pastry: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, roll the pastry up tightly like a log.
- Slice the Log: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled log into rounds about ½ to ¾ inch thick. These are your pinwheels.
- Repeat with Second Pastry Sheet: Repeat steps 3-5 with the second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining cheese and herb mixture.
- Place on Baking Sheets: Arrange the pinwheel slices on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them.
- Apply Egg Wash (Optional): In a small bowl, beat the egg with water or milk. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash for a golden-brown and glossy finish.
- Bake the Pinwheels: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and puffed up, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the pinwheels cool on the sheets for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Enjoy these delicious Savory Cheese and Herb Pinwheels!