Golden Sesame Cheese Pinwheels with Flaky Puff Pastry Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the crispiest results, serve the pinwheels within a few hours of baking. If you need to reheat them, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes—this revives the flakiness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, which makes them soggy.

Experiment with the filling: add a pinch of black pepper or a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory twist.

You can also sprinkle a little smoked paprika over the top before baking for extra color and flavor. But keep the filling simple—the beauty of these pinwheels lies in their flaky layers and creamy cheese.

Variations

• Herby Feta Pinwheels: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill or mint to the parsley for a brighter herb flavor. You can also sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano over the filling before rolling.
• Spicy Cheese Pinwheels: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne into the feta before spreading. The heat balances the creamy cheese and adds a subtle kick.
• Everything Bagel Pinwheels: Swap the sesame seeds for everything bagel seasoning. The combination of garlic, onion, and poppy seeds gives the pinwheels a savory, bagel-like flavor.
• Spinach and Feta Pinwheels: Add 1/2 cup of thawed and squeezed dry chopped spinach to the feta mixture. The spinach adds color and extra moisture, making the filling even creamier.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness.

Freezer

Freeze unbaked pinwheels on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.

Reheat

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

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.

They can also be refrigerated for up to 4 days, but the pastry may soften; reheat in the oven to restore crispness.

Assemble the pinwheels and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Bake directly from the fridge, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze the unbaked pinwheels on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Serving ideas

These pinwheels are best served warm, straight from the oven, but they’re also delicious at room temperature.

Arrange them on a platter with a bowl of hot Turkish tea for a traditional pairing. They make an elegant addition to any appetizer spread, alongside olives, nuts, and fresh vegetables.

For a more substantial snack, serve them with a side of yogurt dip or a simple salad. The crisp, buttery pastry pairs well with tangy and fresh flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet afternoon, these pinwheels are a delightful treat that everyone will love.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Golden Sesame Cheese Pinwheels with Flaky Puff Pastry

Prep 15 minCook 18 minTotal 33 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 1 sheet thawed puff pastry (about 10x10 inches)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a 10x10-inch square. Brush the entire surface with melted butter, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle the crumbled feta evenly over the butter, then scatter the chopped parsley on top. Press the filling gently into the pastry so it adheres.
2. Starting from one edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log, like a jelly roll. Press the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 8 equal rounds, about 1-inch thick. Place the rounds cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
3. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the remaining melted butter. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds, pressing lightly so they stick. If desired, chill the shaped pinwheels for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pinwheels for 18 minutes, or until they are puffed, deeply golden, and the pastry is crisp. The feta may bubble slightly at the edges. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pinwheels cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the pastry to set and become shatteringly crisp.
6. Serve the pinwheels warm or at room temperature. They are delicious with hot Turkish black tea or as an appetizer. The crispy layers and creamy feta make each bite irresistible.

Contains: gluten, milk, sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

6 g

Carbohydrates

20 g

Fat

19 g

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