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Once I discovered how to make these Italian pinwheels my appetizer game changed forever. These little bites combine everything wonderful about Italian flavors wrapped in flaky pastry. The best part is how simple they are just roll up store bought pie crust with prosciutto cheese and seasonings and you have something that looks totally fancy but takes barely any effort.
Perfect Party Food Made Simple
I love serving these at gatherings because they look so impressive yet come together in minutes. The combination of buttery crust salty prosciutto and melted cheese makes everyone ask for the recipe. Since you can make them ahead of time they're perfect for entertaining letting you actually enjoy your party instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
What Goes Inside
These pinwheels come together with just a few quality ingredients that make all the difference:
- 1 box refrigerated pie crust: Pillsbury is my go to but any brand works beautifully saving so much time in the kitchen.
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard: This adds such wonderful tang that makes these extra special no boring cream cheese here.
- 6 thin slices prosciutto: Ask your deli to slice it paper thin it creates the perfect layer.
- 2 cups mixed cheeses: Fresh mozzarella melts into dreamy pockets while Parmesan adds that sharp nutty bite.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: This herb blend brings everything together with classic Italian flavors.
Simple Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust
- Unroll the refrigerated pie crust onto a clean flat surface. Using a spatula or knife spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the entire surface of the dough. This adds flavor and ensures the prosciutto sticks to the crust.
- Assemble the Pinwheels
- Place a layer of prosciutto slices evenly over the mustard. Next sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the prosciutto. Follow this with a sprinkling of Italian seasoning for that signature herby flavor.
- Roll and Chill
- Carefully roll up the pie crust from one end to the other keeping it as tight as possible without squeezing the filling out. Once rolled wrap the log tightly in foil or plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least one hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Slice and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After chilling remove the roll from the fridge and slice it into rounds about 1-inch thick. Arrange the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pinwheels are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Make Life Easy Tips
After years of entertaining I've learned these pinwheels are a lifesaver. Roll them up the night before wrap them well and keep them in the fridge. Next day just slice and bake when you need them. They stay beautiful at room temperature during your whole party. If you somehow end up with extras they keep nicely in the fridge for a few days. Just warm them up in the oven for about 5 minutes to get that crispy texture back.
Mix Up The Flavors
My kitchen is always a place for experimenting and these pinwheels are perfect for trying new combinations. Sometimes I toss in some chopped kalamata olives for extra tang. Fresh mozzarella creates lovely melty pockets throughout. When my herb garden is thriving I skip the dried seasoning and use fresh basil and oregano instead. For spice lovers a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds just the right kick. And on busy days I've even used pesto instead of Dijon it works beautifully.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why chill the roll before slicing?
Chilling firms up the dough and filling, making it easier to get clean slices without ingredients falling out.
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yes, prepare and wrap the roll up to overnight. Slice and bake just before serving for best results.
- → Why discard the tapered ends?
End pieces are usually uneven and may not hold together well. Save them for snacking if desired.
- → Why use a spatula to transfer slices?
The flat surface helps keep the rounds intact and prevents filling from falling out during transfer.
- → Can I use different meats or cheeses?
Yes, try different Italian meats and cheeses while maintaining similar proportions for proper rolling and baking.