Roast Beef and Cheese Pinwheels
Roast Beef and Cheese Pinwheels are an easy, cheesy appetizer made with thinly sliced roast beef, garlic and herb cheese spread, smoked cheddar, fresh spinach, and buttery crescent dough. They are quick to assemble, easy to slice and bake, and perfect for game day, parties, tailgating, or any gathering.
If you are looking for an easy appetizer that disappears quickly, these Roast Beef and Cheese Pinwheels are one to add to your game day menu. Tender roast beef, creamy garlic and herb cheese, smoky cheddar, and fresh spinach are rolled inside buttery crescent dough and baked until golden brown.
I originally created these pinwheels after being inspired by a favorite sandwich from a local deli in my town. They were well known for their roast beef sandwiches made with smoked Gouda, and I loved the combination of roast beef and smoky cheese.
I wanted to turn those flavors into an easy appetizer that would be perfect for sharing, so these pinwheels were born.
Crescent dough is one of my favorite shortcuts for making appetizers. Add a flavorful filling, roll it up, slice it into pinwheels, and bake. They look pretty on a serving platter but are simple enough to make for a casual family gathering.
And, of course, football season is one of my favorite times to make appetizers. My family loves watching football, and we are always looking for different snacks to serve during the game. These roast beef pinwheels are hearty enough to satisfy hungry guests but easy enough to add to a larger spread of game day foods.
INGREDIENTS:
Flour.. just enough to sprinkle on countertop.
Crescent Dough Sheet… I recommend Pillsbury, if you cannot find the dough sheet, crescent rolls may be used.
Garlic and Herb Spreadable Cheese… This comes in a tub and adds such a kick of flavor. It is usually found in the area of the supermarket with specialty cheeses.
Roast Beef….. Purchase thinly sliced from the deli. Thinly sliced is easy to arrange on the crescent dough, and easy to roll it up,
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Fresh Baby Spinach… This adds color and a little texture to the pinwheels. I use kitchen scissors to cut the leaves into thin ribbons.
Smoked Cheddar Cheese… Use a fresh block of cheese and shred it instead of using a pre shredded package of cheese.
HOW TO MAKE ROAST BEEF AND CHEESE PINWHEELS:
STEP BY STEP DIRECTIONS:
(Full recipe and directions on recipe card in post)
Roll out crescent dough sheet and spread the garlic and herb cheese spread, using an offset spatula. If using regular crescent rolls, press the seams together firmly so you have one solid sheet of dough
Arrange slices of roast beef.
Top with spinach and cheese.
Starting at long side, tightly roll it up jelly roll style. Pinch seam to seal. For easier slicing, chill for at least 15 minutes.
Using a serrated knife, slice into 1/2 inch slices. A gentle sawing motion works better than pressing straight down, which can flatten the pinwheels.
Arrange on parchment lined baking sheet and bake 12-14 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Allow the pinwheels to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Why You Will Love These Roast Beef and Cheese Pinwheels
- Easy to make: Crescent dough makes these pinwheels simple to assemble.
- Full of flavor: Roast beef, garlic and herb cheese, and smoked cheddar make a delicious combination.
- Perfect for entertaining: They can be arranged on a platter and served as a party appetizer.
- Great for game day: These are an easy addition to your football food lineup.
- Easy to customize: Try different cheeses or add a little extra heat with your favorite mustard or horseradish sauce.
- Kid-friendly: The small pinwheel shape makes them fun for children to pick up and eat.
Tips for Making the Best Pinwheels
Chill the dough before slicing.
This small step makes a big difference. Chilled dough is firmer and much easier to slice into neat pinwheels.
Do not overfill the dough.
It can be tempting to add lots of filling, but too much can make the roll difficult to close and cause the filling to spill out during baking.
Use a serrated knife.
A serrated knife makes it easier to cut through the dough without squashing the roll.
Shred your own cheese.
Freshly shredded smoked cheddar melts beautifully and gives the pinwheels a delicious smoky flavor.
Leave a little space between the pinwheels.
The dough will puff as it bakes, so give them enough room on the baking sheet.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can these pinwheels be made ahead of time?
They are best if served on the day they are made. I have reheated leftover ones in the oven for a short time, just until warm.
What if I can’t find the crescent dough sheet?
I have had trouble myself at times finding them. Purchase the cans of crescent rolls, roll out, and pinch the seams together.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Smoked cheddar gives these pinwheels their signature smoky flavor, but you can substitute another good melting cheese such as sharp cheddar, provolone, Swiss, or smoked Gouda.
How can I add more flavor to the pinwheels?
A thin layer of horseradish sauce or stone-ground mustard can be added along with the garlic and herb cheese for even more flavor.
If you like a little heat, try adding a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
What can I serve with these?
They are delicious alone, but you may serve a side of horseradish sauce, honey mustard, or a mustard such as stone ground, or a hot mustard spread.
Cranberry Sausage Walnut Crescent Roll-ups and
Ham and Cream Cheese Roll-ups are some other pinwheel appetizer recipes that everyone loves.
These Roast Beef and Cheese Pinwheels are exactly the kind of appetizer I like to serve during football season. They are easy to pick up, hearty enough to satisfy hungry guests, and filled with flavors everyone loves.
Add them to your next game day appetizer spread, tailgate party, holiday gathering, or family get-together.
They may be simple to make, but that roast beef, garlic and herb cheese, and smoky cheddar combination makes them taste anything but ordinary.
This post was shared on Sweet Little Bluebird Weekend Potluck.
ROAST BEEF AND CHEESE PINWHEELS
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon flour
- 1 (8oz) tube Pillsbury Crescent Dough Sheet
- 1 (6.5oz) tub Garlic and Herb Spreadable Cheese
- 8 slices deli roast beef, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup fresh baby spinach, cut into thin pieces
- 1 1/4 cups smokey white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup stone ground mustard (optional)
- 1/4 cup horseradish sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle the flour onto a flat surface such as countertop or cutting board.
- Carefully open the can and unroll the crescent dough sheet. Press slightly to make it an even shape rectangle. If using can of crescent rolls, roll them out the same way and press the seams together.
- Spread the container of garlic and herb cheese spread over the entire dough sheet. Using an offset spatula with help this spread easier.
- Arrange the roast beef slices to cover the dough.
- Top evenly with the spinach. This can be chopped or using kitchen scissors, cut it into thin ribbons.
- Sprinkle the shredded smokey cheddar cheese over all of the ingredients.
- Roll the dough up tightly (jelly roll style), beginning at the long end. Pinch the seams together to seal. Press the ends with palms of hand to make it look even. Place on a pan or cutting board and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Using a serrated knife, cut into slices about 1/2 inch thick. This will yield 20-24 pieces, Place the pinwheels on the parchment lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until dough is a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to set on the pan 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack.
- Arrange the pinwheels on a serving dish or platter. Serve warm or at room temperature. If desired, place mustard and horseradish sauce in small serving dishes for people to spread on the pinwheels.
Notes
These are delicious!! I made these for a football party and everyone loved them!!
Thank you so much! I appreciate this. Another variation is to use thin slices of ham from the deli and whatever kind of cheese you like.
Love your recipes!
Thank you Pat. You are always so kind, and I feel very honored you said this. You have been someone whom I have admired way back before I even made it to the Pillsbury Bake-off. You have been such an inspiration to many with your recipes.