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Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

4.8 from 448 reviews

These Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer or snack featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy blend of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, Parmesan, and tender broccoli florets. Baked to a golden crisp, they offer a perfect combination of cheesy, savory flavors with a touch of garlic and onion seasoning, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (but still cold)

Filling

  • 1 1/2 cups small broccoli florets, finely chopped
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz 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

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Cook the broccoli: Steam or boil the finely chopped broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli very thoroughly, pressing it dry with a towel to remove all excess moisture to avoid a soggy filling.
  3. Make the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the very dry, cooked broccoli until fully incorporated.
  4. Roll out the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry sheet into a roughly 10×12 inch rectangle. Spread the broccoli-cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border along one long edge.
  5. Form the pinwheel log: Starting at the long side opposite the border, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Pinch the edge to seal and place the log seam-side down on your work surface.
  6. Apply egg wash: Whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Brush this egg wash over the entire log, which will give the pinwheels a shiny, golden-brown finish when baked.
  7. Slice and arrange: Use a sharp knife to slice the log into approximately 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 14-17 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the melty, cheesy pull.

Notes

  • Ensure the broccoli is very well drained to prevent soggy pinwheels.
  • Keep the puff pastry cold until ready to roll to maintain its flakiness.
  • These pinwheels are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven to restore crispness.
  • You can add finely chopped cooked bacon or ham for a non-vegetarian version.
  • For a sharper flavor, increase the amount of sharp cheddar cheese slightly.

Keywords: Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels, Puff Pastry Appetizer, Cheesy Snack, Party Finger Food, Vegetarian Snack