German Pinwheels(Open Faced Sandwiches)
German Pinwheels are savory open-faced sandwiches featuring seasoned ground beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and herbs on rye bread, perfect for hearty lunches or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly oil a baking sheet.
- Mix ground beef, eggs, chopped onions, chopped parsley, soaked and squeezed rye bread, and black pepper until well combined.
- Place the meat mixture on a sheet of plastic wrap and flatten evenly with a wet spatula into a 10 x 15-inch rectangle.
- Spread the meat mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove from oven and top with rinsed, drained, and squeezed sauerkraut.
- Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Slice into individual portions and serve with mustard.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some garlic or smoked paprika into the meat mixture. If you don’t have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or even provolone can make excellent substitutes. Make sure to press the meat mixture firmly to ensure the pinwheels hold together during baking. For a twist, try adding chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these German pinwheels with a side of potato salad or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with mustard for dipping. For an authentic experience, consider serving alongside pickles or a light beer. These pinwheels make a great appetizer for gatherings or can be enjoyed as a hearty lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal, though the oven method will keep the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Pinwheels(Open Faced Sandwiches) contains roughly 1423 calories, with 39g protein, 201g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (78% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (63% of the Daily Value), and iron (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1170mg per serving (51% 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 use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a richer flavor, ground pork works well too. Just ensure the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the meat used, so check for doneness accordingly.
Can I freeze the pinwheels?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pinwheels for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, you can cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with the pinwheels?
These pinwheels are great on their own, but you can enhance the meal with sides like roasted vegetables or a simple coleslaw. For a complete spread, include dips like mustard or horseradish sauce, and consider pairing with a light salad or a basket of crusty bread.
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).