Pesto With Cream Cheese Pinwheels

In our home, appetizers are more than just a prelude to a meal; they’re a celebration in themselves. And lately, nothing has been celebrated more enthusiastically than these Pesto Cream Cheese Pinwheels. From casual weeknight snacks to elegant party platters, they’ve become our go-to for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The vibrant pesto swirling through creamy, tangy cream cheese, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla – it’s a flavor and texture combination that’s simply irresistible. Even my notoriously picky eaters devour these without a second thought, and at every gathering, I’m constantly asked for the recipe. These pinwheels aren’t just easy to make; they’re incredibly versatile, beautiful to look at, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated soirée or just need a quick and satisfying snack, these Pesto Cream Cheese Pinwheels are guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to experience appetizer perfection!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Pesto Cream Cheese Pinwheels:

• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened to room temperature. This forms the creamy base of the filling and ensures easy spreading.
• Pesto: ½ cup, store-bought or homemade. Pesto is the star flavor, bringing a vibrant, herbaceous, and slightly garlicky taste. Basil pesto is classic, but you can experiment with sun-dried tomato or other varieties.
• Tortillas: 6 large (10-12 inch) flour tortillas. These act as the wrap for our pinwheels. Flour tortillas are recommended for their pliability and mild flavor. You can also use spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas for added color and flavor.
• Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon. Enhances the savory notes and complements the pesto and cream cheese.
• Optional Add-ins: Consider finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, spinach, or black olives for extra flavor and texture. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can also add a salty, cheesy touch.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfect Pesto Cream Cheese Pinwheels every time:

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, pesto, and garlic powder.
2. Mix Thoroughly: Using a spatula or electric mixer, blend the ingredients until they are smooth, creamy, and well combined. Ensure the pesto is evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese.
3. Spread the Filling: Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface, such as a cutting board. Evenly spread a generous layer of the pesto cream cheese mixture over the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving a very small border at the edges. You want a good, even coverage for flavor in every bite.
4. Add Optional Fillings (Optional): If using any optional add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or spinach, sprinkle them evenly over the cream cheese layer. Gently press them into the cream cheese to ensure they adhere.
5. Roll Tightly: Starting from one edge, tightly roll up the tortilla, similar to rolling a burrito. Try to roll as tightly as possible without tearing the tortilla to create firm pinwheels.
6. Wrap in Plastic Wrap: Once rolled, tightly wrap each tortilla roll in plastic wrap. This helps them hold their shape and makes them easier to slice.
7. Chill in Refrigerator: Refrigerate the wrapped tortilla rolls for at least 2 hours, or preferably for 4 hours to overnight. Chilling is crucial as it firms up the cream cheese filling and makes slicing much cleaner and easier.
8. Slice into Pinwheels: When ready to serve, remove the tortilla rolls from the refrigerator. Unwrap each roll and, using a sharp serrated knife, trim off the ends (about ½ inch) of each roll as they might be slightly uneven or dry.
9. Slice into 1-inch Pinwheels: Slice each roll into approximately 1-inch thick pinwheels. You should get around 8-10 pinwheels from each roll, depending on the size of your tortilla and your desired thickness.
10. Arrange and Serve: Arrange the pesto cream cheese pinwheels on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of extra pesto, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, assuming 8 servings per recipe. Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)

• Serving Size: Approximately 2-3 pinwheels
• Calories: 180-220 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g

Note: These values are estimates and can vary. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (This includes softening cream cheese, mixing ingredients, spreading, and rolling.)
• Chill Time: Minimum 2 hours (Recommended 4 hours to overnight for best results. This is passive time and requires no active work.)
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes (including chill time) – Can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for party preparation.

How to Serve Pesto Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Pesto Cream Cheese Pinwheels are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Appetizer Platters:
  • Arrange pinwheels on a platter alongside other appetizers like olives, cheese cubes, crackers, and crudités for a beautiful and varied spread.
  • Add a small bowl of extra pesto or a balsamic glaze for dipping.
• Party Food:
  • Perfect for cocktail parties, birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, and potlucks. Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for mingling and easy snacking.
  • Present them on tiered serving stands for a more elegant display.
• Lunch Boxes and Snacks:
  • Cut pinwheels into smaller, bite-sized pieces for kids’ lunch boxes or adult snack packs.
  • Pair them with fruit, vegetables, or a small salad for a balanced and satisfying lunch.
• Picnics and Outdoor Events:
  • Pinwheels are portable and hold up well at room temperature for a short period, making them great for picnics and outdoor gatherings.
  • Keep them in a cooler if it’s a hot day to maintain their freshness.
• Brunch or Light Lunch:
  • Serve alongside a light salad or soup for a complete brunch or light lunch.
  • They can be a delightful addition to a brunch buffet.
• Garnishing Ideas:
  • Garnish the platter with fresh basil leaves for visual appeal and aroma.
  • Drizzle a little extra pesto or balsamic glaze over the pinwheels just before serving.
  • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or pine nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Pairing with Drinks:
  • Serve with white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complement the pesto flavor.
  • They also pair well with light beers, sparkling water, or iced tea.

Additional Tips for Perfect Pesto Cream Cheese Pinwheels

To ensure your Pesto Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a resounding success, here are some helpful tips:

1. Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature. This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free mixture and easy spreading. If it’s still cold, it will be difficult to mix and spread evenly.
2. Don’t Overfill: Be generous with the filling, but avoid overfilling the tortillas. Too much filling can cause the pinwheels to be messy and difficult to roll tightly. A thin, even layer works best.
3. Roll Tightly and Evenly: Roll the tortillas as tightly as possible to create firm pinwheels that hold their shape. An even roll ensures consistent slices and a visually appealing presentation.
4. Chill Thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling for at least 2 hours (preferably longer) firms up the cream cheese, making slicing much easier and preventing the pinwheels from falling apart.
5. Use a Serrated Knife for Slicing: A sharp serrated knife is your best friend for slicing pinwheels. The serrated edge helps to cut through the tortillas cleanly without squishing the filling. Use a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing straight down.
6. Make Ahead of Time: Pesto Cream Cheese Pinwheels are excellent make-ahead appetizers. Prepare them up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This makes them perfect for stress-free party planning.
7. Customize Your Fillings: Get creative with your fillings! Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, olives, spinach, or artichoke hearts to the cream cheese mixture for different flavor profiles. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
8. Experiment with Tortilla Flavors: While flour tortillas are classic, try using spinach, sun-dried tomato, or whole wheat tortillas for added flavor, color, and nutritional variety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pesto Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Here are some common questions people have when making Pesto Cream Cheese Pinwheels:

Q1: Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, Pesto Cream Cheese Pinwheels are ideal for making ahead of time. You can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance. Just wrap the rolled tortillas tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. Slice them into pinwheels just before serving for the freshest taste and appearance.

Q2: Can I freeze Pesto Cream Cheese Pinwheels?
A: While you can freeze them, it’s not highly recommended as the texture of the cream cheese and tortillas might change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze them, wrap them tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before slicing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or within a day or two of making them for optimal texture and flavor.

Q3: Can I use homemade pesto for this recipe?
A: Yes, definitely! Homemade pesto will elevate the flavor of these pinwheels even further. Freshly made pesto is incredibly flavorful and vibrant. If using homemade pesto, ensure it’s not too oily, as excess oil can make the pinwheels a bit slippery.

Q4: What are some variations I can try?
A: There are many delicious variations! Consider adding:
* Sun-dried tomatoes: Finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a chewy texture and intense flavor.
* Roasted red peppers: Diced roasted red peppers bring a smoky sweetness.
* Spinach: Sautéed and finely chopped spinach adds nutrients and a mild earthy flavor.
* Black olives: Chopped black olives offer a salty, briny taste.
* Shredded cheese: Add shredded Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese to the cream cheese mixture for extra cheesy flavor.
* Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a little heat.

Q5: Can I use gluten-free tortillas?
A: Yes, you can use gluten-free tortillas to make these pinwheels gluten-free. Be sure to choose gluten-free tortillas that are pliable and easy to roll to prevent tearing.

Q6: How long can Pesto Cream Cheese Pinwheels sit out at room temperature?
A: It’s generally recommended not to leave cream cheese-based appetizers at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially in warmer temperatures. If you are serving them at an outdoor event or on a warm day, keep them chilled in a cooler until serving time and try to keep them out for shorter periods.

Q7: What if my cream cheese is still a bit cold and hard to spread?
A: If your cream cheese is not fully softened, you can microwave it in short 5-10 second intervals, checking after each interval, until it’s softened but not melted. Be careful not to overheat it. Alternatively, you can place the bowl of cream cheese in a slightly warm place (like near a warm oven) for a few minutes to help it soften.

Q8: My pinwheels are falling apart when I slice them. What am I doing wrong?
A: Pinwheels falling apart are usually due to not chilling them long enough or not rolling them tightly enough. Ensure you chill the tortilla rolls for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours or overnight. Also, make sure you are rolling them tightly when assembling. Using a sharp serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion while slicing also helps to prevent them from falling apart.

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