Pumpkin Pesto Pinwheels are my go-to appetizer for every fall gathering! π These little bites are packed with flavor, and they make any party table look fabulous.
With pumpkin and pesto, they’re both tasty and easy to make!
Picture this: flaky pastry wrapped around a delicious blend of pumpkin and pesto.
Each bite is an explosion of savory goodness that keeps guests coming back for more.
I love how these pinwheels are perfect for a cozy night in or a lively party with friends. π
Just grab a few simple ingredients, roll them up, and bake.
This recipe shows you how easy it is to impress everyone with a tasty treat.
Let’s get cooking and bring a touch of autumn wonder to your table! π

Pumpkin Pesto Pinwheels Appetizer Recipe
Equipment
- Here’s what I grab when making these pinwheels:
- Rolling pin: For flattening dough.
- Baking sheet to hold the pinwheels
- Oven to bake them to perfection
- Parchment paper to keep them from sticking
- Mixing bowl to combine ingredients
- Spatula for spreading the mix
- Sharp knife to cut nice, even pinwheels
- These tools help me whip up a batch quickly and easily. πͺ
Ingredients
Let’s talk about the yummy stuff I use:
- Puff pastry one sheet, thawed
- Pumpkin puree 1/2 cup
- Pesto sauce 1/4 cup
- Grated parmesan cheese 1/4 cup
- Salt and pepper for taste
- Chopped nuts optional for extra crunch
These ingredients make the pinwheels rich and flavorful. π½οΈ
Instructions
I love how easy it is to make these:
- Preheat the oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface.
- Mix pumpkin puree, pesto, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mix over the pastry, leaving a border.
- Sprinkle parmesan and nuts evenly.
- Roll up the pastry like a jelly roll.
- Cut into 1-inch pieces with a sharp knife.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness! π
Notes
I like using fresh pesto for the best taste.
Make ahead and freeze them to save time.
Try other fillings, like sun-dried tomatoes.
Keep an eye on the oven to avoid burning.
Each piece is like a little slice of heaven. Perfect for any occasion! π
Presentation & Serving
I love how Pumpkin Pesto Pinwheels bring a pop of color to the table! π They are super easy to garnish and make look amazing.
I like to use a large white platter to serve them.
The contrast of the white plate with the pinwheels’ orange and green is simply stunning. If youβre going for a rustic feel, a wooden board works great too.
To add a touch of elegance, I sprinkle a bit of freshly grated parmesan on top.
For a festive vibe, add edible flowers or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley. πΏ
Guests can easily grab and enjoy these treats.
I often pair them with a small bowl of extra pesto for dipping. This adds flavor and makes the presentation look more inviting.
Hereβs what I use for a perfect setup:
- Equipment:
- Large white platter or wooden board
- Small bowl for dipping sauce
- Ingredients for Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Grated parmesan
- Edible flowers (optional)
- Instructions for Serving:
- Arrange pinwheels neatly on the platter.
- Sprinkle parmesan and herbs on top.
- Place the dipping bowl in the center.
I always see smiles and hear compliments when guests dig into these pretty pinwheels! π
Storage Tips
Want to keep those Pumpkin Pesto Pinwheels fresh and tasty? Let me show you how! π½οΈ
Refrigerator
After making the pinwheels, place them in an airtight container.
Pop them into the fridge. They’ll stay delightful for up to 3 days.
Make sure to cool them completely before storing. This prevents sogginess.
Freezer
Want to save some for later? No problem!
Wrap each pinwheel in plastic wrap and freeze them. Try to use a freezer-safe bag too.
They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips
- For a quick treat, reheat in a microwave for 20-30 seconds.
- For crispy layers, pop them in the oven at 350Β°F (175Β°C) for about 5 minutes.
Use these tips to enjoy your pinwheels any time! π§‘
Recipe Variation
I’m super excited to share some fun ways to mix up these Pumpkin Pesto Pinwheels! π It’s easy to put your own twist on them.
Equipment:
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet
- Rolling pin
Ingredients:
- Puff pastry sheets
- Pumpkin puree
- Pesto sauce
- Cheese (mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese)
- Mixed herbs
Instructions:
- Swap Cheese: Try using feta or goat cheese instead of mozzarella for a tangy taste. π§
- Add Protein: Mix in some cooked bacon or chicken for extra flavor and protein. π
- Herbs Galore: Use different herbs like basil or thyme for a fresh touch. πΏ
Feeling adventurous? Try adding nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for a little crunch.
These simple changes can make a big difference! π°π
Playing with flavors keeps things interesting every time I make this delicious appetizer.
Give these ideas a try and have fun exploring! π
Pairing
When I serve Pumpkin Pesto Pinwheels, I always think about the best drinks to go with them! π₯³ Pairing the right drink can really make a meal pop. Here are some awesome ideas:
With Wine
- White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc works wonders.
- Red Wine: Try a light Pinot Noir. It’s just perfect!
Non-Alcoholic Options
- Sparkling Water with a twist of lime. π So fresh!
- Apple Cider: A sweet match that loves the pumpkin flavor.
More Ideas
- A Cheese Platter adds a rich touch. π§ Try it with some soft brie.
- Serve alongside a green salad for a refreshing bite.
These pairings can really enhance the flavors of the pinwheels.
Enjoy experimenting and host the best appetizer party ever! π
Tips & Tricks
I’m super excited to share some tips to make your Pumpkin Pesto Pinwheels the best! π
- Equipment:
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife
Pro tip: Using a sharp knife makes slicing easier!
- Ingredients:
- Use fresh or canned pumpkin
- Your favorite kind of cheese
- Flaky pastry or crescent rolls
For creamier pesto, add a little extra olive oil. π
- Instructions:
- Chill the dough before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Roll the dough tightly for nice spirals.
- Brush with egg wash for a golden-brown finish.
Taste is everything, right? So, experiment with different cheeses! π§
Trying out goat cheese or feta can change the flavor profile to something amazing!
If your pinwheels seem soggy, bake them on the bottom rack for the last few minutes. This can help them crisp up nicely.
Have fun and feel free to share your creative twists! π₯³
Remember, cooking is an adventure, and each batch is a chance to create something new and delicious.
Enjoy the process and let your creativity shine! π΄

Frequently Asked Questions
I’m thrilled to address some burning questions about pumpkin pesto pinwheels! Let’s jump into creative ideas, dietary options, and tips for baking perfection. ππ₯
What are some creative twists I can add to my pumpkin pesto pinwheels to impress my guests?
I love adding sun-dried tomatoes or goat cheese for a burst of flavor. πΏ
A sprinkle of feta or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can also wow your guests.
Experimenting with different herbs like sage or thyme can create a unique twist!
Can you suggest a gluten-free alternative for making these mouthwatering pumpkin pesto pinwheels?
Using gluten-free puff pastry is a great alternative.
It’s easy to find in most grocery stores. Just roll it out, assemble, and bake as usual.
The result is a deliciously flaky and gluten-free delight! πΎ
Is there a vegan version of the pumpkin pesto pinwheels that still bursts with flavor?
Absolutely! You can use vegan puff pastry and substitute the cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. π
The pesto can be made with nuts, olive oil, and herbs while the pumpkin provides that rich fall flavor.
How can I ensure my pumpkin pesto pinwheels come out perfectly flaky and delicious every time?
Pre-chill the puff pastry before baking to ensure maximum crispness. Keeping all the ingredients cool helps too.
Make sure to preheat the oven properly and use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
A quick brush of egg wash or plant-based milk on top before baking adds a lovely golden color.
What are the essential ingredients for that classic fall flavor in pumpkin pesto pinwheels?
Here are the essential ingredients:
- Pumpkin puree
- Basil pesto
- Puff pastry
- Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
- Salt and pepper π
These ingredients capture the warm, cozy essence of fall!
Could you guide me through the steps for making a delectable pumpkin cream cheese filling for my pinwheels?
Sure thing! Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Baking sheet
- Ingredients:
- Pumpkin puree (1 cup)
- Cream cheese (or vegan alternative, 1/2 cup)
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon)
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon)
- Instructions:
- Mix pumpkin and cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Spread the mixture evenly on puff pastry.
- Roll, slice, and bake for these delightful swirls. π
These are just a few tips and tricks I’ve found helpful. Feel free to share your results or ask any more questions! π
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