Antipasto Puff Pastry Pinwheels – Fun Christmas Appetizers to Impress

Looking for the ultimate christmas appetizers that scream festive flair without stressing you out? I got you. These Antipasto Puff Pastry Pinwheels deliver all the charm of a Christmas Charcuterie Board but in easy, bite-sized rolls—perfect for Christmas Party Food Appetizers or last-minute Holiday Party Appetizers. Trust me, I’ve hosted more holiday shindigs than I care to admit, and these pinwheels always vanish first. They bring together savory Italian meats, creamy cheeses, and a hint of pesto in flaky, buttery pastry. Easy, peasy, and zero regrets.

Ever wondered why puff pastry works so dang well as a base? It puff-puffs up and holds fillings like a dream—no soggy bottoms here. Whether you need Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties or simple Holiday Appetizers Easy enough to prep in under 20 minutes, these pinwheels check all the boxes. Plus, they fit right in alongside Christmas Eve Appetizers or those Xmas Appetizers you promised to bring. So let’s roll up our sleeves, preheat that oven, and get into the holiday spirit—this recipe’s about to be your new go-to for Christmas Dinner Appetizers or Christmas Snacks For Party munching. Ready? Let’s dive in. 🙂

Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed (store-bought works great)
• 4 oz ricotta cheese (room temperature for easy spreading)
• 4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto or ham
• 4 oz salami, thinly sliced
• 4 oz fresh mozzarella, shredded or thinly sliced
• 3 roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
• 2 tbsp pesto (basil or sun-dried tomato pesto both taste fab)
• 1/4 cup sliced olives (green or black, your call)
• 2–3 pepperoncini, thinly sliced (optional for a kick)
• Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Flour, for dusting

Instructions

1. Prep the workspace. Lightly dust your countertop or a large cutting board with flour. Lay out one puff pastry sheet. If it tears, just patch it—nobody’s perfect.
2. Spread the ricotta. Scoop ricotta into the center of the pastry. Use a spatula to spread a thin, even layer, leaving about a ½” border on all sides. This little border prevents filling oozing everywhere—trust me.
3. Layer the goodness. Arrange prosciutto (or ham) slices over the ricotta. Top with salami, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, olives, pepperoncini, and basil. Season lightly with black pepper.
4. Add the pesto swirl. Drizzle pesto in a zigzag or little dollops across the filling—you do you. It adds that pop of color and flavour.
5. Roll it up. Starting at one long edge, roll the pastry into a tight log. Pinch the seam gently to seal. Repeat with the second pastry sheet and remaining fillings.
6. Chill the logs. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes. Chilling firms everything up, making cleaner slices.
7. Preheat the oven. Crank it to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
8. Slice your pinwheels. Remove logs from fridge, unwrap, and use a sharp knife to cut ½–¾” thick slices. Aim for even thickness so they bake uniformly.
9. Egg wash time. Place the pinwheels on your prepared sheet. Give them a quick brush with beaten egg—this yields that gorgeous golden brown crust.
10. Bake and cool. Slide the tray into the oven. Bake 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden. Let them rest for 5 minutes on the pan before transferring to a cooling rack.
11. Serve piping hot. These pinwheels taste best warm, straight from the oven. But hey, they’re still pretty awesome at room temp if you need a make-ahead hack.

Variations

Let’s get creative—because who doesn’t love options?

• Mediterranean Twist: Swap ricotta for herbed goat cheese, add sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and a sprinkle of feta. Your Holiday Appetizers Easy dreams come true.
• Spicy Italian: Layer in pepperoni instead of salami, swap pesto for spicy arrabbiata sauce, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Perfect for anyone who loves a little kick.
• Veggie Delight: Skip the meats and load up on grilled zucchini, roasted bell peppers, baby spinach, and a smear of olive tapenade. Vegetarian Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties are covered.

Serving & Tips

Feel free to present these pinwheels around a Christmas Charcuterie Board—they’re a stellar centerpiece that pairs with olives, nuts, and cured meats. If you want to look extra-professional, sprinkle fresh basil or cracked black pepper on top just before serving. Planning for Christmas Eve Appetizers? Make the logs ahead, slice, and store in an airtight container. When guests ring the doorbell, pop them in the oven for 10 minutes. Boom—you’ll look like a hostess with the mostest.

Storing leftovers? Wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. They emerge almost as crisp as day one. Need a booze pairing? A crisp Prosecco or a light rosé balances the richness perfectly. FYI, it’s practically mandatory to sip while you snack. 😉

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a fail-proof recipe for Xmas Appetizers that’ll make you the hero of any holiday gathering. I still remember the year I tried to impress my in-laws with DIY canapés and nearly burned my eyebrows off—lesson learned: simplicity rules. These Antipasto Puff Pastry Pinwheels let you enjoy the party without turning into a frazzled host. Go ahead, make ‘em, share ‘em, and watch them disappear. Merry munching, my friend!

FAQs

Can I freeze these pinwheels?

Absolutely. After slicing, arrange the raw pinwheels on a tray and freeze for 1–2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.

Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Just follow the Veggie Delight variation: drop the meats and load on the grilled veggies, olive tapenade, and cheese. You’ll have tasty Holiday Appetizers Easy that everyone can enjoy.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Chill the logs before slicing and use parchment paper. Also, avoid over-stuffing-the pastry. A thin, even layer of filling ensures that perfect flakiness.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Sure thing! Grab gluten-free puff pastry (many brands carry it). Everything else stays the same. Your guests won’t miss a beat. 🙂

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