Super Bowl Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Name: Super Bowl Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 24 pinwheels
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed); 4 oz cream cheese (softened); 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped); 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped); 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash); Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love whipping up these Super Bowl Puff Pastry Pinwheels for game day! They are incredibly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With flaky pastry and a variety of delicious fillings, these pinwheels are perfect for snacking while watching the big game. Plus, they can be customized to suit everyone's taste, making them a versatile addition to any party spread. Trust me, once you try these, they'll become a staple in your Super Bowl menu for years to come!

Created by

Delilah Spencer

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:22:21.743Z

When I first made these Super Bowl Puff Pastry Pinwheels, I was surprised by how quickly they disappeared! The combination of flaky pastry and savory fillings makes them irresistible. I experimented with different combinations, but my favorite is a mix of cream cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. This flavorful mix complements the buttery pastry perfectly.

One tip I have is to ensure your pastry is cold before you start rolling it out. This will help achieve that lovely flaky texture when it's baked. I often make a double batch so that I have a few leftovers—if they last that long!

        Why You'll Love These Pinwheels
        Flaky pastry that melts in your mouth.
Customizable fillings for every taste.
Perfect for parties or a cozy night in.

      

Technique for Perfect Pinwheels

Achieving the perfect pinwheel starts with a well-prepared filling. The key is to soften the cream cheese adequately; this ensures it blends smoothly with the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. If you’re short on time, you can microwave the cream cheese for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overheat it. A well-combined filling should be creamy and spreadable, avoiding any clumps that might result in uneven pinwheels.

When rolling out the puff pastry, aim for an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This thickness allows it to puff up nicely while baking, creating that desired flaky texture. Be sure to keep your work surface lightly floured to prevent sticking. If your pastry gets too warm and starts to lose its shape, pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape.

Serving and Storage Tips

These pinwheels are meant to be enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they still taste great when served at room temperature. If you’ve made a batch ahead of time, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the pastry regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving them, as this can make the pastry soggy.

If you want to serve different flavors, consider mixing in various ingredients such as cooked sausage, bacon bits, or even different cheeses like feta or cheddar. You can also experiment with sauces; a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a side of marinara for dipping can elevate the flavors. Remember to adjust the fillings according to the overall moisture content to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious pinwheels:

Ingredients

1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure all ingredients are prepped before starting!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your pinwheels:

Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until well blended.

Roll Out the Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a rectangle, around 1/4 inch thick.

Assemble the Pinwheels

Spread the filling evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border. Starting from one edge, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log.

Cut the Pinwheels

Slice the rolled pastry into 1-inch pieces and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake

Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Let the pinwheels cool slightly before serving!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add some herbs like basil or oregano to the filling. You can also experiment with different fillings such as ham and cheese or pesto and roasted vegetables.

Customization Ideas

This recipe provides a fantastic base for customization. For a vegetarian-friendly option, swap out the sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding spices like crushed red pepper flakes or Italian herbs to the filling for an extra kick. Just be mindful of the moisture content, as this will affect the final texture of your pinwheels.

If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can use gluten-free puff pastry, which is widely available in stores. Just ensure it’s fully defrosted before working with it. Additionally, you can replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese option if you are accommodating lactose-intolerant guests. The key is to make sure all your ingredients blend well together.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your pinwheels unroll while baking, it may be due to not rolling them tightly enough or the filling being too wet. To avoid this, always ensure the edges are sealed properly by pressing them together gently before slicing. You can also chill the rolled-up pastry in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm it up, which helps in keeping its shape during baking.

Another common issue is uneven baking. To prevent this, arrange your pinwheels on the baking sheet with enough space between them. This allows hot air to circulate, leading to even browning. If the tops are golden while the bottoms are still pale, you can flip them halfway through the baking process for a more balanced result.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare the pinwheels in advance?

Yes! You can prepare and assemble them up to a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

→ What other fillings work well?

You can try combinations like pepperoni and mozzarella, or roasted red peppers and feta for a different twist!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I freeze the pinwheels?

Absolutely! You can freeze them before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.