Asparagus Party "Pin-Wheels"
Asparagus Party Pin-Wheels are delightful finger foods featuring crisp bread rolls filled with creamy cheese and tender asparagus spears. Perfect for parties or gatherings, these savory bites offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that appeal to both vegetable lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- With a rolling pin, roll out bread slices until they are flat.
- Mix together cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, and egg until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cheese mixture on each bread slice.
- Place one asparagus spear on each bread slice.
- Roll up each bread slice with the asparagus inside.
- Melt butter in a pan and lightly dip each pin-wheel in the butter.
- Place the rolls in the pan until they are almost frozen.
- Slice each roll into bite-sized pieces with a very sharp knife.
- Bake at 425°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Alternatively, frozen rolls can be baked at the same temperature for approximately twice the time.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and whole-grain bread. If you don't have asparagus, substitute with blanched spinach or roasted bell peppers for a different flavor profile. Ensure the bread is rolled out evenly for uniform pin-wheels. Adding herbs like dill or chives to the cheese mixture can elevate the taste. You can also experiment with different cheeses like feta for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pin-wheels as a delightful appetizer at parties, or as a fun snack for gatherings. They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or a lemon-garlic aioli. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Miss Elsie'S Jalapeno Cornbread for a comforting touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pin-wheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. For a crispier texture, you can also sauté them lightly in a pan with a bit of butter before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus Party "Pin-Wheels" contains roughly 543 calories, with 16g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 593mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these pin-wheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pin-wheels a day in advance. Roll them up, store them in the refrigerator, and bake just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring they are fresh and warm when served.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to the egg in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit until it gels). This will help bind the cheese mixture while keeping the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
What can I serve with these pin-wheels?
These pin-wheels are versatile! Pair them with a light salad, such as a cucumber or mixed greens salad, for a fresh contrast. You can also serve them with various dips like hummus or a creamy ranch dressing for added flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).