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Best Italian Pinwheels Recipe – Easy Flaky Appetizer

Italian Pinwheels - featured image

Golden, flaky puff pastry pinwheels filled with cream cheese, provolone, Genoa salami, capicola, ham, and roasted red peppers. A quick and easy appetizer perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 46 slices provolone cheese
  • 68 slices Genoa salami
  • 46 slices capicola (optional)
  • 68 slices deli ham
  • 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Optional: Everything bagel seasoning or flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
  3. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 10×12-inch rectangle.
  4. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one of the long edges.
  5. Layer the provolone slices, overlapping slightly, over the cream cheese. Then layer the Genoa salami, capicola (if using), and ham.
  6. Sprinkle the chopped, drained roasted red peppers evenly over the meats. Press them down gently.
  7. Starting from the long edge opposite the bare border, carefully roll the pastry up as tightly as possible without tearing. Use the bare border to seal the roll by pressing it gently into the pastry. Place the log seam-side down on a cutting board.
  8. Optional: Chill the log in the freezer for 10-15 minutes for cleaner slices.
  9. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  10. Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning or flaky sea salt if desired.
  11. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until puffed up and deeply golden brown.
  12. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Serve warm.

Notes

Keep puff pastry cold for best flakiness. Do not overstuff. Use a serrated knife for clean slices. Egg wash is essential for golden color. Let rest 5 minutes after baking. Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated. Freeze unbaked pinwheels for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian pinwheels, puff pastry appetizer, easy appetizer, party food, game day snack, Italian appetizer