Welcome to your new favorite go-to appetizer: incredibly easy and irresistibly delicious Pesto Pinwheels! Crafted by spreading vibrant pesto and a medley of cheeses inside buttery, crisp crescent roll dough, these bite-sized snacks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that come together in mere minutes. Perfect for any gathering, from casual game nights to elegant holiday parties, these pinwheels offer maximum flavor with minimal effort.
The beauty of appetizers made with refrigerated crescent roll dough lies in their convenience and universal appeal. They can be whipped up at the very last minute when unexpected guests arrive, or prepared in advance for stress-free entertaining. If you love the concept, you might also enjoy our Pizza Pinwheels, or explore the exciting variations we’ve detailed below to truly make these your own.
Effortless Pesto Pinwheels: The Ultimate Quick Appetizer
These savory pesto pinwheels have earned their spot as one of our most requested recipes for any occasion. Whether it’s a lively game day get-together, a festive holiday celebration, or just a cozy family movie night at home, they fit right in. All you truly need is a can of refrigerated crescent roll dough, your preferred pesto, and a couple of cheeses. Add a side of warm marinara for dipping, and you’ve got a complete, homemade snack that tastes gourmet without the fuss.
While this versatile pesto appetizer can be enjoyed year-round, it truly shines during the summer months when fresh basil is abundant. If you have a thriving herb garden, consider making a generous batch of homemade basil pesto. Not only will it elevate these pinwheel rolls, but you can also toss it with pasta, spread it onto sandwiches, or drizzle it over grilled vegetables. The vibrant flavor of fresh pesto is simply unmatched and transforms these simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pesto Pinwheels
Gathering just a few basic ingredients is all it takes to create these delightful pesto and cheese pinwheels. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: You’ll typically find this in the dairy or refrigerated section of your local grocery store. Brands like Pillsbury are widely available and work perfectly. For a different texture, consider using homemade pizza dough for a chewier bite, or even frozen puff pastry sheets for an extra flaky result.
- Pesto Sauce: The star of the show! You can opt for a high-quality store-bought pesto for ultimate convenience, or impress your guests with a batch of homemade pesto. Basil pesto is classic, but feel free to experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto or even a kale-based pesto for a unique twist.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella provides that desirable gooey, melty texture. Pre-shredded works wonders, but grating your own block of mozzarella often yields a creamier melt. An Italian cheese blend is also an excellent substitute, offering a richer flavor profile.
- Parmesan Cheese: For a sharp, salty kick. Whether you use finely grated or coarsely shredded Parmesan, it adds a layer of sophisticated flavor that complements the pesto beautifully. Pecorino Romano could also be used for a stronger, tangier note.
- Fresh Parsley: While entirely optional, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley before serving adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous aroma that brightens the entire dish.
- Marinara Sauce: A warm, savory marinara or your favorite pizza sauce makes an ideal dipping companion for these pinwheels, enhancing their Italian-inspired flavors.
Creative Recipe Variations and Savory Substitutions
One of the best things about Pesto Pinwheels is how incredibly adaptable they are. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen! Here are some fantastic ideas to customize your pinwheels:
- Swap the Dough for Puff Pastry: For an exceptionally light and flaky appetizer, replace the crescent roll dough with frozen puff pastry sheets. Simply thaw, unroll, fill, roll, and slice as directed. The result is a more elegant and buttery bite.
- Try Pizza Dough for a Chewier Texture: If you prefer a pinwheel that’s a bit softer and boasts a heartier, more doughy consistency, store-bought or homemade pizza dough makes an excellent alternative to crescent rolls. Adjust baking time as needed for the thicker dough.
- Enhance with Additional Filling Ingredients: The possibilities are endless! Consider adding finely chopped roasted red peppers, spicy pepperoni, crispy bacon bits, thinly sliced prosciutto, shredded cooked chicken, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes (drained well), chopped black or green olives, fresh basil leaves for an extra herby punch, or even a touch of sautéed spinach or artichoke hearts. Just be careful not to overfill the dough.
- Experiment with Different Cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan are a classic duo, almost any meltable cheese can be a delicious addition. Explore other hard Italian cheeses like Asiago or Gruyere for a nutty, complex flavor. For a creamy tang, spread a thin layer of goat cheese before adding the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Provolone, white cheddar, or a blend of Mexican cheeses can also work wonderfully, depending on your desired flavor profile.
- Adjust the Size for Any Occasion: If you’re looking to create larger, more substantial pesto pinwheel appetizers, simply roll the dough from the shorter side instead of the long edge. This will yield fewer, but larger, pinwheels. Remember to adjust the baking time slightly for the increased size.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a subtle kick, or a generous dash for a bolder, spicier appetizer.
Tips for Perfect Pesto Pinwheels Every Time
While these pinwheels are incredibly easy, a few simple tips can ensure they turn out perfectly golden, crispy, and delicious:
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on fillings, too much can make rolling difficult and cause cheese to ooze out excessively during baking. A thin, even layer is best.
- Chill Your Dough: Cold crescent roll dough is easier to handle and roll. If it becomes too warm while you’re working with it, pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
- Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for clean, even slices. A dull knife will squish the dough, making less attractive pinwheels. You can also lightly flour your knife blade to prevent sticking.
- Even Baking: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before putting the pinwheels in. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots, to ensure even browning.
- Let Them Cool Slightly: While tempting to devour them straight from the oven, letting them cool for 5-10 minutes allows the cheese to set and prevents burns from the hot filling.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: The warm marinara truly completes the experience, offering a contrasting tang and moisture to the savory pinwheels.
Serving Suggestions for Your Pesto Pinwheels
These versatile appetizers are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of other dishes and drinks. For a casual spread, arrange them on a platter with a bowl of warm marinara for dipping. Consider adding a small bowl of ranch dressing or even a balsamic glaze for an alternative flavor profile. They are excellent alongside a fresh green salad for a light lunch, or as part of a larger appetizer spread featuring other finger foods. For beverages, they complement a crisp white wine, a light beer, or even sparkling cider for non-alcoholic options.
Storing, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Instructions
Planning ahead or dealing with leftovers is simple with these pesto pinwheels:
- Storing Leftovers: If you find yourself with any delicious leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. While they can be left at room temperature for a short period, refrigerating is best for freshness.
- Reheating for Best Texture: To bring them back to their crispy glory, we highly recommend reheating your Pesto Pinwheels in a preheated 350-degree F (175 C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the edges are crisp again. The microwave can be used for quick reheating, but the texture will be softer.
- Make-Ahead & Freezing Options: These pinwheels are an absolute dream for meal prepping or entertaining.
- Prepare the Night Before: You can assemble the pinwheels completely, slice them, and arrange them on a baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator overnight. On the day of your event, simply uncover and bake as directed.
- Freeze Unbaked Pinwheels: For even further advance preparation, arrange the sliced, unbaked pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, and store for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, place frozen pinwheels on a prepared baking sheet and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time until golden brown.
- Freeze Baked Pinwheels: You can also bake the pinwheels completely, let them cool, and then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a 350-degree F (175 C) oven until warmed through and crisp.
Pesto Pinwheels Recipe
The Carefree Kitchen
These delightful pesto appetizers are crafted by spreading vibrant pesto and cheese inside buttery, crisp crescent roll dough. They are the perfect bite-sized snack that takes just minutes to prepare and consistently earns rave reviews from any crowd.
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5 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
8 people
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce can refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1/3 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons parsley, fresh, chopped for garnish (optional)
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
- Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Unroll the crescent rolls onto a lightly floured surface. Gently press the perforations together firmly to create one large, seamless sheet of dough.
- Spread the pesto sauce evenly over the entire surface of the dough, ensuring it reaches almost to the edges. Then, sprinkle generously with both Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
- Starting at the long edge of the dough, carefully roll it up into a tight, long tube. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the tube into approximately 3/4-inch thick rounds. You should yield between 6-8 pinwheels. Place these pinwheels, cut-side down, onto your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 12-17 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed, golden brown on the edges, and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with warm marinara dipping sauce. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Notes
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat pinwheels in a 350-degree F (175 C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through and re-crisped.
Make-Ahead: These are ideal for making ahead! Assemble the pinwheels, slice them, and store them unbaked in the fridge overnight. You can also freeze unbaked pinwheels on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags and bake from frozen when ready to enjoy (add extra baking time).
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.
Appetizer
American, Italian
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These incredibly easy Crescent Roll Pesto Pinwheels are a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. With just a few minutes of prep and minimal cleanup, you can serve up a batch of these cheesy, herbaceous bites that will leave everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection.