Why You’ll Love Easy 3‑Ingredient Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
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It uses only three ingredients — easy and convenient.
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It comes together quickly: about 15 minutes prep, 15 minutes bake time.
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Makes 24 bite‑sized pinwheels, great for sharing or serving to a crowd.
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Warm, gooey cheese and flaky pastry — a crowd-pleasing combination any time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
½ (17.5 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 (8 ounce) container herbed cream cheese
6 ounces sliced Swiss cheese
Directions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Lightly dust a flat work surface with flour. Unroll the thawed puff pastry and roll it out into a rectangle.
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Spread a thin, even layer of herbed cream cheese over the puff pastry, leaving about a 1‑inch border.
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Layer the Swiss cheese slices evenly over the cream cheese layer.
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Starting at one edge, roll the puff pastry up tightly — like a jelly roll.
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Slice the rolled pastry into 1/4‑inch thick pinwheels. Arrange them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and lightly browned.
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Let cool slightly before serving — they are best warm or slightly warm.
Servings and timing
Yields: 24 pinwheels
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Use a different kind of cheese — try cheddar, mozzarella, or a sharper cheese for a stronger flavor.
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Swap herbed cream cheese for plain cream cheese and add seasonings (garlic powder, dried herbs, or chili flakes) for extra flavor.
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Add thin slices of ham or turkey inside along with the cheese for a meatier version.
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Mix in thinly sliced vegetables (like bell pepper or spinach) under the cheese layer for a veggie‑boosted twist.
Storage/Reheating
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
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To reheat, place pinwheels on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at about 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes, until heated through and the pastry becomes crisp again.
FAQs
What if I don’t have herbed cream cheese?
You can use plain cream cheese instead. For added flavor, stir in some dried herbs (like oregano, basil, or thyme) and a pinch of salt before spreading it on the pastry.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss?
Yes — cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or even a mix of cheeses work well. Use cheeses that melt nicely for the best results.
Can I make these vegetarian or add vegetables?
Yes. You can add thinly sliced vegetables (like bell pepper, spinach, or mushrooms) under the cheese layer before rolling the pastry. This adds flavor and texture, and keeps it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this ahead of time and bake later?
Yes. You can assemble the pinwheels, cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Alternatively, assemble the roll, wrap it tightly and store in the fridge, then slice and bake when ready.
Can I freeze assembled pinwheels before baking?
Yes. After rolling and slicing, arrange the pinwheels on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen — you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What oven temperature is best?
This recipe calls for 375°F (190°C), which ensures the puff pastry cooks through without burning while allowing the cheese to melt nicely.
Can I make mini pinwheels or larger ones?
You can adjust the slice thickness — thinner slices make smaller, bite-sized pinwheels; thicker slices give larger, more substantial pieces. Just adjust baking time if slices are much larger.
How to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensure puff pastry is cold when you roll it. Also, avoid adding too much cream cheese or additional moist fillings. Bake promptly after slicing for the best flaky texture.
Are these good served cold or warm?
They’re best warm or slightly warm — that’s when the cheese is gooey and the pastry is flaky. But they can also be served at room temperature if needed.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — you can use a full package of puff pastry (instead of half), doubling the amount of cream cheese and Swiss cheese, and use a larger baking tray (or bake in batches). Baking instructions remain essentially the same.
Conclusion
These Cheese Pinwheels are a perfect go-to when you want a quick, tasty, and crowd‑pleasing snack with minimal effort. Using only three simple ingredients and 30 minutes, you get 24 warm, flaky, cheesy pinwheels that are ideal for parties, gatherings, or everyday snacking. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with cheeses, veggies, or meats, this easy recipe is flexible — and always satisfying.
