I find myself turning to these Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels whenever I need a reliable, quick snack for the family. They were a lifesaver during our last busy week, perfect for packing into lunchboxes or serving as a satisfying after-school bite.
What makes this recipe so dependable is its simplicity. It uses pre-made puff pastry to deliver that flaky, buttery texture without the fuss. The savory turkey and melted cheddar are a classic combination that always satisfies.
Crafting the Perfect Roll
To get a clean, tight roll, your puff pastry should be cold but still flexible. If it’s too warm, it can become sticky and tear; if it’s too cold, it will crack as you try to roll it. If your kitchen is warm, don’t hesitate to pop the pastry back in the fridge for a few minutes. A lightly floured surface is also key, as it prevents sticking and helps you create a smooth log for uniform, picture-perfect pinwheels.
Choosing The Perfect Cheese
Cheddar melts beautifully and provides a familiar, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with turkey. However, this recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to experiment. Swiss cheese offers a mild, nutty taste, while provolone or gouda will give you a creamier, slightly richer melt. Using what you already have in the fridge is a great way to customize these pinwheels to your family’s tastes.
Making Ahead and Freezing
These pinwheels are fantastic for meal prep. You can prepare the entire log up to the slicing stage, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to a month. When you’re ready for a quick snack or appetizer, simply slice the frozen log into rounds and place them on your baking sheet. They bake perfectly from frozen—just add 3 to 5 minutes to the baking time.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12 pinwheels
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 275g (1 sheet) pre-made puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 160g (8 slices) sliced turkey breast, deli style
- 100g (4 slices) cheddar cheese
- 30g (2 tablespoons) butter, melted
- 5g (1 teaspoon) dried oregano
- 2g (1/2 teaspoon) paprika
- Fresh basil, to garnish (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into an even rectangle, about 30×25 cm (roughly 12×10 inches). An even thickness ensures the pinwheels cook uniformly.
- Layer the Fillings
Arrange the turkey slices evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to help seal the roll. Place the cheese slices on top of the turkey. Sprinkle the dried oregano and paprika evenly over the cheese for a layer of savory flavor.
- Roll and Slice
Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. A firm roll is important to keep the filling secure. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the log into 12 even 1-inch pieces to create the pinwheels.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the pinwheels cut-side down, spacing them about an inch apart. This gives them room to puff up and cook without steaming.
- Bake the Pinwheels
Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the melted butter, which helps them turn a beautiful golden-brown. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling at the edges.
- Garnish and Serve
Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving platter. If using, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous flavor.
If you enjoy this dish, try our Baked Chicken and Veggie Meal Prep for a perfect pairing or next-weeknight option.
Substitutions & Variations
- Protein Swap: Instead of turkey, use an equal amount of sliced deli ham, chicken, or pepperoni.
- Add a Spread: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard or cream cheese on the pastry before adding the turkey for extra flavor and richness.
- Herb Variations: Swap oregano for dried thyme or add a pinch of garlic powder along with the paprika for a different aromatic profile.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheat
Store cooled, leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To restore their crisp texture, reheat them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Per Serving: 150 calories, 8g protein, 10g fat, 10g carbohydrates
- Per 100g: 300 calories, 16g protein, 20g fat, 20g carbohydrates
- Estimates only.
FAQ
Why did my pinwheels get soggy in the middle after they baked?
This often happens if fillings are too wet or layered too thick. Keep spreads thin and blot deli meat dry so the pastry bottom can cook through and crisp up.
What's the best way to get clean, round slices before baking?
Chill the entire log in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This firms everything up, helping you cut neat rounds without squishing the pastry.
Can I prepare these pinwheels in advance and freeze them for later?
Yes, you can freeze them unbaked. After slicing, arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them from frozen.
My fillings are leaking out the sides. What is the main cause?
This is usually from overfilling or not leaving a border. Leave about a half-inch of bare pastry along the edges so the filling has room to settle as you roll.
My pinwheels unraveled during baking. How can I prevent this?
A tight roll is key. Press the final seam down firmly to seal it. Brushing a tiny bit of water along the edge before pressing also helps it adhere as it bakes.
Does the type of store-bought puff pastry I use really matter?
An all-butter puff pastry will give you the richest flavor and flakiest layers. However, any standard brand works well as long as you keep it cold as you work.
How do I reheat leftover pinwheels without making them soft or dry?
The oven is your best tool. Reheat them on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This method warms them through while recrisping all the pastry layers.
Is it possible to make this recipe with gluten-free puff pastry?
Yes, you can use your favorite brand of gluten-free puff pastry. Just know that GF pastry can be more delicate, so handle it gently to prevent cracking as you roll.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 275 g Pre-made puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed if frozen)
- 160 g Sliced turkey breast (8 slices, deli style)
- 100 g Cheddar cheese (4 slices)
- 30 g Butter (melted, 2 tablespoons)
- 5 g Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
- 2 g Paprika (1/2 teaspoon)
- Fresh basil (to garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into an even 30×25 cm (12×10 inches) rectangle.
- Arrange the turkey slices evenly over the pastry, leaving a border around the edges. Place the cheddar slices on top.
- Sprinkle the dried oregano and paprika evenly over the cheese.
- Starting from one long side, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Slice into 12 even 1-inch pieces to create pinwheels.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the pinwheels cut-side down, spaced about an inch apart.
- Brush the tops with melted butter and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve.
