The buttery layers of puff pastry wrap around a melty core of ham, salami, and mozzarella, all tied together with a lightly spiced onion and bell pepper blend. These Stromboli Pinwheels are the perfect savory bite—crisp on the outside, gooey and flavorful inside.
Great as appetizers or game-day snacks, they offer versatility and ease without compromising taste. Whether served with a bright herb-infused marinara sauce or elevated with a drizzle of chili oil, these golden pinwheels are bound to become a staple in your hosting rotation.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 sheet puff pastry, defrosted
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2 slices tavern ham
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2 slices Genoa salami
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2 slices mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup bell pepper, chopped
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¼ onion, chopped
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½ cup tomato sauce
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1 large sprig fresh oregano, chopped
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2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed
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3 tbsp olive oil, divided
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¼ tsp sugar
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tbsp crunchy chili oil (optional)
Directions:
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan. Sauté chopped onion and bell pepper until softened. Set aside.
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In a saucepan, warm the tomato sauce over low heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, chopped herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes. Let cool.
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On a flat surface, lay out the defrosted puff pastry. Evenly spread the sautéed vegetables across the surface.
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Layer the ham, salami, and mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
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Roll the pastry tightly into a log. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Slice the roll into pinwheels using a sharp serrated knife.
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Arrange slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
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Optional: Drizzle with crunchy chili oil or stir it into the marinara sauce for a spicy kick. Serve warm with dipping sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 363 kcal | Servings: 6–8 pinwheels
Why Stromboli Pinwheels Stand Out
Unlike traditional stromboli, which are rolled logs of dough stuffed with fillings and then sliced after baking, this recipe pre-slices the roll before it hits the oven. That not only cuts down on serving prep time, but also makes for beautiful individual spirals of filling, each encased in a golden, flaky crust. The use of puff pastry is a clever shortcut that brings elegance and ease to the dish, creating a light and airy bite that doesn’t feel heavy or overly rich.
What also makes this recipe particularly compelling is its flexibility. While salami, ham, and mozzarella make up the core ingredients, there’s ample room for personalization. Different meats like pepperoni, capicola, or even turkey can be used. Cheese lovers can try provolone, fontina, or gouda. You can even make a vegetarian version with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
The aromatic vegetable base of bell peppers and onions is more than just a filler—it adds sweetness, umami, and depth. When sautéed before being layered into the pastry, these vegetables soften and concentrate in flavor, creating a pleasant contrast to the richness of the meats and cheese.
A Sauce That Elevates the Dish
A key element that shouldn’t be overlooked is the accompanying marinara sauce. It’s not just a dipping option; it’s a flavor bridge that ties all the ingredients together. The sauce is gently simmered with olive oil, fresh oregano and thyme, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. This blend of herbs infuses the tomato base with a freshness that complements the richness of the pinwheels.
Adding a spicy kick is optional but highly encouraged. A drizzle of crunchy chili oil—either directly on the baked pinwheels or stirred into the marinara—adds a layer of heat and textural contrast that amplifies the entire experience. This small addition can transform the dish from a standard appetizer into a memorable centerpiece.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Stromboli Pinwheels shine in just about any setting. They’re ideal finger foods for gatherings, game nights, and casual brunches. Because they’re made with puff pastry, they bake quickly, which means they can be assembled and served in under 30 minutes. The ability to prepare the roll ahead of time and refrigerate it makes this a great make-ahead recipe.
When hosting guests, presentation is everything. These pinwheels naturally lend themselves to attractive plating. Their spiral design is eye-catching, and when arranged on a platter around a bowl of dipping sauce, the effect is both elegant and inviting. You can even sprinkle them with grated Parmesan or fresh chopped herbs after baking to enhance the visual appeal.
They also travel well and can be made in large batches for potlucks, picnics, or lunchbox additions. The individual portions eliminate the need for utensils, making them a cleaner, more convenient choice for on-the-go meals.
Tips for Best Results
Working with puff pastry requires a little attention to detail, but the reward is worth it. First, always allow your puff pastry to fully defrost before working with it. Trying to roll or unfold it while it’s still cold can cause cracks or breaks in the dough. However, if the dough gets too soft and warm, it can become sticky and hard to manage. The sweet spot is slightly cool but pliable.
Rolling the dough tightly is essential to maintaining the structure of the pinwheels. A loose roll can cause the fillings to spill out during baking, while a roll that’s too tight may tear. After assembling the roll, chilling it before slicing is a great trick. A quick rest in the fridge (or even a short blast in the freezer) firms up the roll and makes slicing easier. A sharp serrated knife is your best tool here—clean cuts ensure even cooking and better presentation.
Another pro tip is not to overfill. While it’s tempting to load up on meat and cheese, remember that puff pastry is delicate and can tear or unravel if overwhelmed. A light but even distribution of fillings is the best approach. You want every bite to have a bit of everything, without the risk of soggy bottoms or uneven baking.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftover pinwheels (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They reheat well in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes. Microwaving is possible but may result in a slightly softer texture and less crispness.
If you’re planning ahead, these pinwheels also freeze beautifully. After assembling and slicing the raw roll, you can flash-freeze the slices on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can go straight from freezer to oven—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Dietary Variations and Customization
Because this recipe uses basic, easy-to-swap components, it’s wonderfully adaptable to different dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, replace the meats with roasted vegetables or sautéed greens. For a low-sodium version, opt for reduced-sodium cheese and avoid cured meats. To create a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cheese and puff pastry that contains no butter (many store-bought versions use vegetable shortening).
Gluten-free puff pastry can be substituted, although baking times and texture may vary slightly. Be sure to use fillings that complement the texture and flavor of gluten-free dough, which can sometimes be more delicate or crumbly.
You can also experiment with global flavor profiles. Try adding curry powder to the vegetable base, or use harissa in the marinara. Incorporate ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted garlic for a Mediterranean touch.
Conclusion: Simple, Satisfying, and Sure to Impress
Stromboli Pinwheels hit that sweet spot where simplicity meets sophistication. They’re easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and universally loved. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, bringing them to a potluck, or enjoying them as a casual snack at home, they deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Their flaky crust, melty center, and bold accompaniments make them more than just an appetizer—they’re a statement. With the added bonus of adaptability and quick cook time, this recipe is a must-have in any home cook’s rotation.
The next time you’re in need of a show-stopping dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make, look no further than these savory spirals of goodness. Stromboli Pinwheels are proof that great food doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs to be made with care, creativity, and quality ingredients.