Crispy Sesame Cheese Pinwheels: 15-Minute Puff Pastry Appetizer Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the crispiest result, serve the pinwheels within an hour of baking. If you have leftovers, reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their flaky texture. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.

To make ahead, assemble the pinwheels and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze unbaked pinwheels on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag; bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes.

Experiment with the filling: add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a sprinkle of za'atar for a Middle Eastern twist. For a more substantial breakfast, add a thin slice of ham or turkey (if not keeping it vegetarian).

The pinwheels are also delicious with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory combination. If you prefer a more pronounced sesame flavor, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a minute before sprinkling them on.

Variations

• Spicy Feta Pinwheels: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the feta mixture for a subtle kick. You can also drizzle with honey after baking for a sweet-heat contrast.
• Herb and Garlic Pinwheels: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill into the feta. Replace parsley with chives for a different herbal note.
• Mediterranean Pinwheels: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of chopped kalamata olives to the feta filling. Omit parsley if desired.
• Everything Bagel Pinwheels: Instead of sesame seeds, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning (if you are not avoiding sesame) for a savory, crunchy topping. Add 1 tablespoon of cream cheese to the feta for extra creaminess.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze baked pinwheels for up to 1 month.

Freezer

Freeze unbaked pinwheels on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 22-25 minutes.

Reheat

Reheat baked pinwheels in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until crisp and hot. Avoid microwaving.

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until crisp and warmed through. Avoid refrigerating, as the pastry will become soggy. If you must refrigerate, reheat in the oven as directed.

To make ahead, assemble the pinwheels completely, but do not bake. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

You can also freeze unbaked pinwheels on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

Serving ideas

Serve these pinwheels warm, straight from the oven, as a delightful breakfast or brunch item. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot Turkish black tea, as the slightly bitter tea complements the buttery, salty pastry.

For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a fresh green salad or a bowl of soup. They also make excellent party appetizers—arrange them on a platter with a bowl of olives and some cherry tomatoes for a colorful spread.

For a dessert-like variation, you could swap the feta for a sweetened cream cheese and add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, but the savory version is a classic. If you're serving a crowd, double the recipe and bake on two sheets. The pinwheels are best enjoyed within an hour of baking, when they are at their crispiest. For a fun brunch, set out a variety of dips such as honey, fig jam, or a spicy harissa paste.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Sesame Cheese Pinwheels: 15-Minute Puff Pastry Appetizer

Prep 15 minCook 18 minTotal 33 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (about 10x10 inches), thawed
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 10x12-inch rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. Brush the entire surface with the melted butter, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge. Sprinkle the crumbled feta evenly over the pastry, then scatter the chopped parsley over the feta. Press the filling gently into the pastry so it adheres.
2. Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll the pastry tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 even pieces, about 1 inch thick. Press each piece gently with the palm of your hand to flatten slightly, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a little space between each.
3. Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the tops of the pinwheels, pressing them in lightly. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown. The pinwheels should be crisp to the touch and the feta should be melted and creamy inside.
4. Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Serve warm, with hot Turkish black tea if desired. The pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh, when they are at their crispiest.

Contains: gluten, milk, sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

210

Protein

4 g

Carbohydrates

15 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

1 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.