Flaky, Cheesy Party Favorite
These smoked beef and cheese pinwheels are the ultimate easy appetizer for parties, game day, or quick snacks. Buttery, flaky pastry wraps around savory smoked beef and melty cheese for a bite-sized treat that disappears fast! They’re simple to assemble, bake in under 20 minutes, and can even be prepped ahead of time for busy schedules. Perfect for holiday gatherings, lunchboxes, or after-school snacks, these golden pinwheels deliver big flavor with minimal effort. If you love warm, cheesy appetizers that look impressive but are secretly easy — this recipe is for you!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 25–28 minutes
- Servings: 20–24 pinwheels
📝 Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 8 slices smoked beef (thinly sliced)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Rolling pin
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven.
Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Roll the pastry.
Lightly flour your surface and roll the puff pastry into a rectangle (about 10×12 inches). - Add the filling.
Spread Dijon mustard evenly if using. Layer smoked beef slices across the pastry, then sprinkle cheese evenly over the top. - Roll tightly.
Starting from the long side, roll the pastry into a tight log. Press gently to seal the edge. - Slice into pinwheels.
Cut into ½–¾ inch thick slices and place cut-side down on the baking sheet. - Brush & season.
Brush tops with beaten egg. Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley, then lightly brush over each piece 😊 - Bake.
Bake 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Cheese should be melted and bubbly ✨ - Cool slightly & serve.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- Chill before slicing: If the roll feels soft, refrigerate 10 minutes to make slicing cleaner.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp back up.
- Make ahead: Assemble, slice, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
🔄 Variations
- Add a thin layer of cream cheese for extra richness.
- Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking.
- Add finely chopped spinach for a savory twist.
❓ FAQ
Can I use crescent roll dough instead?
Yes! Press seams together before adding fillings.
Can I freeze them?
Yes — freeze before baking, then bake straight from frozen adding 2–3 extra minutes.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, while cheddar adds sharper flavor.