These broccoli and cheese pinwheels are easy to prepare and make for a filling and delicious lunch or dinner. Perfect for the whole family, they combine the goodness of broccoli with cheesy goodness wrapped in flaky puff pastry. With only five ingredients, these pinwheels are a quick and healthy meal that can be customized by adding shredded chicken or other fillings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry

• 3 oz cream cheese

• ½ cup shredded cheese (any kind, or a 4-cheese blend)

• 1 heaping cup broccoli florets

• 1 cup pre-cooked chicken breast (optional)

• 2 tbsp oil (or an egg wash for a golden finish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).

2. Boil the broccoli in a small pot for 2 minutes, drain, and finely chop.

3. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and spread cream cheese evenly across it, leaving space at the edges.

4. Sprinkle chopped broccoli, chicken (if using), and shredded cheese on top.

5. Roll the pastry tightly into a log, then slice into 8 pinwheels.

6. Arrange the pinwheels on a parchment-lined pan and brush them with oil or egg wash.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

8. Let cool before serving.

Nutrients

• Calories: 258kcal

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 10g

• Trans Fat: 0.01g

• Cholesterol: 16mg

• Sodium: 154mg

• Potassium: 38mg

• Fiber: 0.5g

• Sugar: 1g

• Vitamin A: 191IU

• Vitamin C: 0.1mg

• Calcium: 49mg

• Iron: 1mg

Why Choose Broccoli and Cheese Pinwheels?

The combination of broccoli and cheese in these pinwheels offers a perfect balance between vegetables and indulgence. Broccoli is known for its health benefits, including being rich in vitamins and fiber, while cheese adds a creamy and savory flavor that complements the texture of the broccoli. The puff pastry brings a delicate crispness to the dish, elevating the overall experience with its buttery and flaky layers.

One of the key advantages of this recipe is its simplicity. With only five main ingredients, it’s an ideal meal for those who want something quick and easy but still crave something hearty and flavorful. The broccoli and cheese pinwheels can also be made in a variety of ways to suit different tastes. For instance, you can add shredded chicken or other vegetables for extra protein or flavor, making it customizable for different dietary preferences.

The Versatility of the Recipe

While the basic recipe features broccoli, cream cheese, and shredded cheese, there is plenty of room to get creative with the fillings. You can add shredded chicken, bacon bits, or even sautéed onions to bring additional flavors into the mix. For those who prefer a vegetarian version, mushrooms, spinach, or peppers could be used as substitutes for chicken, ensuring that the dish caters to a range of tastes and dietary needs.

The puff pastry is the perfect vessel for this filling because it provides a light, flaky texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and tender broccoli. Moreover, using pre-made puff pastry makes the preparation process quicker, while still achieving that golden, crispy texture that everyone loves. This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few hours before baking, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping.

Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli and Cheese Pinwheels

Broccoli is a powerhouse vegetable, rich in essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and fiber. While it’s not particularly high in protein, it adds valuable vitamins and minerals to the dish. The cream cheese and shredded cheese provide a good source of calcium, contributing to bone health. Additionally, they offer some healthy fats, particularly when combined with olive oil or egg wash for the golden finish.

Despite the creamy cheese and puff pastry, this dish is relatively balanced in terms of fat and calories. One serving of the broccoli and cheese pinwheels contains around 258 calories, with 15 grams of carbohydrates and 20 grams of fat. While the fat content may seem high, much of it comes from monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Additionally, the fiber content is moderate, making it a filling meal that doesn’t spike your blood sugar.

By incorporating pre-cooked chicken, you can also boost the protein content of the pinwheels, making them a more satisfying option for those looking to increase their protein intake. This added protein can help with muscle repair and provide longer-lasting energy throughout the day.

How to Perfect Your Broccoli and Cheese Pinwheels

To get the most out of this recipe, there are a few tips to ensure your broccoli and cheese pinwheels come out perfectly. First, be sure to blanch the broccoli before chopping it. This helps retain its vibrant green color and ensures it’s tender but still has a nice texture in the final dish. Don’t overcook the broccoli, as it can become mushy and lose its flavor.

When spreading the cream cheese on the puff pastry, make sure to leave a small border around the edges. This will help seal the pinwheels tightly when you roll them up. The cream cheese acts as a binding agent that holds everything together, so it’s important to spread it evenly.

If you are using an egg wash, it will give the pinwheels a beautiful golden color and a crisp finish. You can also brush the pinwheels with oil for a lighter, less rich option. Either method works well, so feel free to choose depending on your preferences.

Lastly, make sure to slice the pinwheels evenly. Cutting them into uniform pieces will ensure that they bake evenly and maintain their shape. It’s also a good idea to leave some space between each pinwheel on the baking sheet to allow for even puffing and crisping.

Customizing the Pinwheels to Your Liking

The beauty of broccoli and cheese pinwheels is their adaptability. While the base recipe is already delicious on its own, there are endless possibilities for variation. For example, you could swap out the cream cheese for ricotta or mascarpone for a lighter, less tangy filling. Alternatively, a blend of cheddar and mozzarella could give the pinwheels an extra cheesy, melty experience.

If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the filling. For those who enjoy herbs, fresh basil, oregano, or thyme would complement the dish beautifully. You could also add a bit of garlic powder or sautéed garlic for a richer flavor.

For a more decadent version, you could drizzle a bit of béchamel sauce over the pinwheels before serving, or even add a layer of pesto for a burst of fresh, herby flavor. These simple additions can take your pinwheels from delicious to extraordinary.

Broccoli and Cheese Pinwheels for Any Occasion

Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a lunchbox-friendly meal, or a snack to impress guests at a party, these pinwheels are a perfect choice. The handheld nature of the pinwheels makes them easy to serve at parties or casual get-togethers. You can even make them in advance and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes, so they remain crisp and flavorful.

Moreover, these pinwheels are great for families, as both kids and adults will enjoy the cheesy filling and flaky pastry. If you’re trying to sneak in some vegetables into your children’s meals, this is an excellent way to do so without them even realizing it. With the addition of broccoli, you can help ensure they’re getting some of their daily servings of veggies in a fun and delicious way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, broccoli and cheese pinwheels are an easy, customizable, and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The combination of creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and flaky puff pastry makes for a satisfying dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you add chicken, experiment with different types of cheese, or add extra seasonings, these pinwheels are incredibly versatile.

Not only are they quick and simple to make, but they also offer a balanced mix of nutrients, making them a great option for a healthy lunch or dinner. These pinwheels can be customized to fit a variety of tastes, making them perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to parties. The ease of preparation and the satisfying flavors make them a standout dish, and they’re sure to become a favorite in your household.