Pinwheel appetizers aren’t just about looks; they’re about that perfect bite of textures and flavors coming together. I love how versatile they are, letting you play with different fillings and shapes. Plus, they’re a little unexpected at the table, a pop of color and surprise amid usual dips and chips.

Why I Keep Returning to This Recipe

It’s endlessly adaptable, forgiving if you’re short on time, and always a crowd-pleaser. The smell of baking pastry mixed with smoky salmon is pure nostalgia, reminding me of holiday gatherings. Plus, it’s a fast way to turn simple ingredients into something special, making it a go-to for last-minute guests or a spontaneous celebration.

Breaking Down the Key Ingredients

• Puff Pastry: Buttery, flaky, and tender. Use good quality for the best rise and crispness.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a tangy, creamy layer that balances the smoky and fresh flavors.
• Smoked Salmon: Oozes smoky richness; swap with thinly sliced ham if you prefer milder.
• Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, with a clean, watery crunch.
• Fresh Dill: Herbaceous and bright, it lifts all the flavors with a fragrant punch.
• Lemon Zest: Brightens the filling with a zing of citrus.
• Egg Wash: Gives the pastry a shiny, golden finish; substitute with milk if needed.

Tools & Equipment for Pinwheels

• Baking sheet: To bake the pinwheels evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Sharp serrated knife: For cleanly slicing the chilled roll.
• Spatula: To transfer and arrange slices smoothly.

Step-by-step to Perfect Pinwheels

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2: Lay out a large sheet of parchment paper.

Step 3: Unroll your pastry and spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese.

Step 4: Layer slices of smoked salmon, thinly sliced cucumber, and fresh dill.

Step 5: Roll the pastry tightly into a log, then cut into 1-inch slices.

Step 6: Place slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment, cut side up.

Step 7: Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden and crisp.

Step 8: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

These smoked salmon pinwheels are elegant appetizers made by spreading cream cheese on flaky puff pastry, layering smoked salmon, cucumber slices, and dill, then rolling and slicing into bite-sized rounds. Baked until golden and crisp, they showcase a delightful combination of creamy, smoky, and refreshing flavors with a flaky, tender texture.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Western

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 pack puff pastry sheet thawed if frozen
• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• 4 oz smoked salmon thinly sliced
• 1 small cucumber thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 egg egg beaten for egg wash

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Sharp serrated knife
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a clean surface.
2. Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the entire surface of the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Layer thin slices of smoked salmon over the cream cheese, covering most of the pastry.
4. Arrange thin cucumber slices evenly over the salmon, then sprinkle chopped dill and lemon zest over the top for bright, fresh flavor.
5. Starting from one edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log, applying gentle pressure to keep the filling inside.
6. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the rolled pastry into 1-inch thick slices.
7. Arrange the slices cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
8. Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the beaten egg to promote a golden, shiny finish.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes, until the filling sets and the aroma is inviting.
11. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional dill if desired. Enjoy these flaky, flavorful pinwheels as a chic appetizer or snack.

Cooking Checkpoints & Tips for Success

• Ensure the pastry is chilled before rolling for easy handling.
• Cut pinwheels with a sharp, serrated knife to avoid squishing the layers.
• Bake until golden, not dark, to keep the delicate flavors intact.
• Let cool slightly before serving to prevent the filling from spilling out.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

• Slices are squished or uneven.? Use a sharp knife to prevent squished slices.
• Pinwheels fall apart during cutting.? Chill the roll before slicing.
• Over-baking, resulting in dry pastry.? Bake just until golden.
• Uneven layers or loose filling.? Apply even pressure while rolling.

These little bites are a chaos of textures and flavors — creamy, smoky, and fresh all at once. They’re perfect for a quick holiday nibble or a lively appetizer at a gathering. Feel free to swap in goat cheese or add a dash of horseradish for an extra zing. Most importantly, enjoy the process and taste your way to a tray full of colorful, irresistible bites.

Jonny

I’m Jonny, the cook, writer, and food lover behind this flavorful corner of the internet. Whether it’s a sizzling weeknight stir-fry, a no-bake dessert that saves the day, or a comforting Sunday classic — this blog is where I share recipes that are bold, doable, and made to impress without the stress.