Give it up, my snack-loving friend! You cannot resist the call of these Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels. They are the perfect companion to a cozy pasta night, like my Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno.
I am literally obsessed. I dream about their flaky, cheesy, veggie-packed swirls.
They are the ultimate snack hack for busy days, hungry kids, and anyone who needs a little joy in a handheld package. Let’s make some magic!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Snack / Appetizer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: About 20 pinwheels
Do You Love This Recipe Too?
I have a confession. I first made these for my niece’s playdate.
I needed something fast, fun, and secretly healthy. The moment those pinwheels came out of the oven, it was pure chaos in the best way.
Tiny hands were reaching. Cheesy smiles were everywhere. I knew I had struck gold. Now, they’re my go-to for everything from school lunches to my own 3pm snack attack.
My Shopping List for This Recipe
This recipe is a fridge and pantry hero. You probably have most of this already!
We’re talking about simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. The star, of course, is that gorgeous green broccoli.
Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Grab your bowls and let’s line everything up. Mise en place makes this so fast and easy.
- 1 sheet (about 8 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 1/2 cups small broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz (half a block) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- A pinch of salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon milk or water (for egg wash)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Here we go! This is the fun part. Rolling these up is so satisfying.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it until it’s super creamy.
- Stir in the finely chopped broccoli florets until they’re all coated in that cheesy goodness.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll your puff pastry sheet into a roughly 10×12 inch rectangle.
- Spread the broccoli-cheese mixture evenly over the entire pastry sheet, leaving a tiny border at one of the longer edges.
- Starting from the opposite long side, tightly roll the pastry up into a log, jelly-roll style. Seal the edge with a little water or egg wash.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into about 1/2-inch thick rounds. Place them cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet.
- Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of milk or water. Lightly brush this egg wash over the top of each pinwheel. This gives them that gorgeous golden shine!
- Bake for 14-17 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and a beautiful golden brown.
- Let them cool on the pan for just a few minutes. Then try not to eat them all at once!
Fun Variations to Try Next Time
Got the basic version down? Let’s play! These are so easy to customize.
Add some cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham to the filling for a heartier bite. It’s a fantastic twist, much like the flavors you find in my popular Crack Chicken Chili.
Swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese if you want a little spicy kick. The kids might love it!
Mix in a tablespoon of ranch seasoning powder with the cream cheese for an extra flavor punch everyone adores.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
These pinwheels are fantastic for make-ahead magic. Here’s how to keep them perfect.
Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To freeze, place the unbaked, sliced pinwheels on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until warm and crispy again. The microwave works but can make them soft.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~110 per pinwheel
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
A Quick Q&A on This Recipe
Can I use fresh broccoli instead?
Absolutely! Just chop it very, very fine. You can even give it a quick 1-minute steam or blanch to make it extra tender before mixing it in.
My puff pastry is tearing! Help!
No panic! If it’s thawed but still cold, let it sit for 5 more minutes. If a small tear happens, just pinch it back together. The filling will help hold it all in place.
Are these good for school lunches?
They are the BEST! Pack them in a lunchbox once they’re completely cool. They taste great at room temperature, making them the ultimate no-fuss school snack.
See? I told you this recipe was a game-changer. It’s the perfect blend of easy, healthy, and downright delicious.
Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, packing lunches, or just need a quick bite, these pinwheels have your back. They never, ever let me down. If you’re looking for another impressive yet simple dinner, you must try my Gourmet Stuffed Chicken Breasts next.
I am dying to see your swirls of cheesy goodness! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think!
