Smoked Salmon & Goat Cheese Pinwheels: A Buttery, Elegant Appetizer
Print it, save it, or add it to your recipe binder.
Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels: The Ultimate Appetizer Twist đđĽâ¨
These Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are everything you want in a starter: flaky, creamy, herby, and irresistibly fancy-looking with almost no effort. Perfect for brunch spreads, cocktail parties, or holiday hors dâoeuvres, they combine buttery pastry with zesty herbs, creamy goat cheese, and silky smoked salmon.
Served warm or at room temperature, these pinwheels always disappear fastâso make a double batch if you’re feeding a crowd!
Why I Love This Recipe
These pinwheels are:
- Fast and easy with store-bought puff pastry
- Elegant and crowd-pleasingâgreat for impressing guests
- Loaded with flavor from lemon zest, herbs, and tangy cheese
- Versatileâtheyâre brunch, lunch, and appetizer-ready
Theyâre the savory counterpart to crowd-pleasers like baked brie or beer cheese dip, but with a refined, fresh twist.
Ingredients Youâll Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed and ready-rolled
- 100g smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- 150g goat cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
â Tip: Use cold puff pastry straight from the fridgeâit rolls cleaner and bakes flakier.
Smoked Salmon & Goat Cheese Pinwheels: A Buttery, Elegant Appetizer
Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels: The Ultimate Appetizer Twist đđĽâ¨
Prep: min | Cook: min | Total: min
Servings:
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed and ready-rolled
- 100g smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- 150g goat cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, stir together:
- Goat cheese
- Dill
- Chives
- Lemon zest
- Black pepper
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Pinwheels: Lay the puff pastry flat on a clean surface. Spread the herbed goat cheese mixture evenly across the entire sheet.
- Top with an even layer of smoked salmon slices, making sure to reach the corners for every-bite flavor.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
- Place the slices cut side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops with beaten egg to promote a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake for 12â15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Calories:
- Fat:
- Carbs:
- Protein:
Rate This Recipe
Average Rating: 0 (0 votes)
How to Make Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Pinwheels (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Filling
In a small bowl, stir together:
- Goat cheese
- Dill
- Chives
- Lemon zest
- Black pepper
Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the Pinwheels
Lay the puff pastry flat on a clean surface. Spread the herbed goat cheese mixture evenly across the entire sheet.
Top with an even layer of smoked salmon slices, making sure to reach the corners for every-bite flavor.
4. Roll and Slice
Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
Place the slices cut side down on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops with beaten egg to promote a golden, glossy finish.
Bake for 12â15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden.
6. Cool and Serve
Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Pinwheels
- Use cold pastry: Itâs easier to roll and keeps the shape better during baking.
- Sharp knife = clean slices: A serrated or very sharp blade helps preserve the spiral.
- Customize herbs: Add tarragon, thyme, or even a bit of Dijon mustard for variation.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These pinwheels are ideal for:
- Brunch boards with soft-boiled eggs and fruit
- Cocktail hour alongside easy turkey wings
- Paired with sheet pan quesadillas for a savory finger food spread
- Added to a charcuterie board with olives and mini pickles
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 5â7 minutes to re-crisp.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked pinwheels and bake straight from frozenâjust add 2â3 extra minutes.
More Recipes Youâll Love
Looking for more snackable, crowd-pleasing starters? Try these:
Final Thoughts
Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are proof that a few ingredients can create something showstopping. Easy to prep, beautiful to present, and always flavorfulâthese bites belong on your next brunch table or holiday spread.
Tried them? Tag @ChefManiac with your pinwheel creations! And donât forget to follow Chef Maniac for more easy-to-elegant appetizer recipes and entertaining-friendly bites.
