Antipasto Puff Pastry Pinwheels: A Festive, Savory Twist on Christmas Appetizers

Ever find yourself scrambling for the perfect christmas appetizers at the last minute? Same here. I first whipped up these Antipasto Puff Pastry Pinwheels at my sister’s holiday shindig, and they vanished in minutes—no kidding. These little bites combine all the best flavors from your favorite Christmas Party Food Appetizers like prosciutto, cheese, and roasted red peppers, wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. They scream “Holiday Party Appetizers” without sounding too fancy or intimidating.

IMO, these pinwheels have the ultimate crowd-pleaser vibe. You get that buttery crunch, tangy olive tapenade flair, and a melty cheese center—all in one neat spiral. And FYI, they even fit into a Christmas Charcuterie Board spread like champs. Plus, they rank high on my list of Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties because they’re easy to grab and go.

Ever wondered why puff pastry works so well for Christmas Eve Appetizers? It puffs up like a warm holiday hug and holds all your fillings without falling apart. Ready to make your guests swoon? Let’s dive into the recipe, step by step. 🙂

Ingredients

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp olive tapenade or finely chopped olives
• 4 slices prosciutto, chopped
• 4 slices salami, chopped
• 4 slices provolone or mozzarella, cut into strips
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil or Italian seasoning
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step guarantees that golden, flaky finish.
2. Spread the base: On a lightly floured surface, roll each puff pastry sheet into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Keep it cool—warm pastry gets sticky fast.
3. Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, olive tapenade, and basil. Season lightly with salt and pepper. The tapenade amps up the flavor, so go easy on the salt.
4. Layer it up: Spread half the cream cheese mix evenly over each pastry sheet. Top with prosciutto, salami, provolone strips, and roasted red peppers. Aim for an even distribution so every bite rocks.
5. Roll tightly: Starting from the long side, roll each sheet into a log. Press gently as you roll to avoid air pockets.
6. Chill the logs: Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to slice into neat pinwheels.
7. Slice into pinwheels: Unwrap and cut each log into 12 even slices (about ½-inch thick). Arrange them cut-side down on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Egg wash & season: Brush each pinwheel lightly with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning if desired.
9. Bake to golden perfection: Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the pastry puffs up and turns golden brown. Rotate the sheets halfway for even browning.
10. Cool & serve: Let the pinwheels rest for 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a serving platter. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Variations

You can easily tweak this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

• Swap prosciutto and salami for chopped roasted turkey and cranberry sauce to channel classic Christmas Dinner Appetizers.

• Make it vegetarian: replace the meats with marinated artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach for a colorful, meat-free bite.

• Add a spicy kick: mix red pepper flakes into the cream cheese or swap provolone for pepper jack. Perfect if you love a hint of heat in your Holiday Appetizers Easy lineup.

Serving & Tips

Serving Suggestions

Arrange these pinwheels alongside:

– A vibrant Christmas Charcuterie Board with cured meats, cheeses, nuts, and fresh berries.

– A bowl of marinara or pesto dip for dunking fun.

– Other Xmas Appetizers like stuffed mushrooms or mini quiches for variety.

Storage & Reheating

Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Pop them back in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh the crispiness. Or microwave for 20 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

Pro tip: These pinwheels double as top-notch Christmas Snacks For Party appetizers throughout the holiday week.

Final Thoughts

I still remember how proud I felt when my aunt asked for the recipe mid-party—talk about a win! These Antipasto Puff Pastry Pinwheels bring together the best of savory flavors and flaky pastry, and they fit seamlessly into any holiday spread. Whether you’re curating a lineup of Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties or looking for standout Holiday Party Appetizers, this recipe never disappoints. Give it a go at your next gathering and watch your guests devour every last bite. Happy baking and even happier snacking!

FAQs

Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble and chill the rolled logs up to 24 hours before baking. Keep them wrapped and refrigerated, then slice and bake when you’re ready.

Can I freeze the unbaked pinwheels?

Yes. Lay the sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

What’s the best cheese for these pinwheels?

I love provolone or mozzarella for their mild, melty qualities. For a sharper flavor, swap in Swiss or cheddar. Just slice thin so the pinwheels roll evenly.

Are these suitable for a vegetarian menu?

Definitely. Skip the meats and load up on veggies—artichokes, olives, spinach, and roasted peppers all work beautifully. You’ll still get that flaky, flavorful bite.

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