Pinwheel Onion Rolls

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Pinwheel Onion Rolls are savory, flaky bread filled with caramelized onions, perfect as an appetizer or side dish for gatherings and family meals with rich onion flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 4 onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 Tbsp. butter
  • 2 1/4 tsp. salt
  • a dash of cayenne
  • 2 c. flour
  • 3 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 c. shortening
  • 2/3 c. milk
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Cook sliced onions in butter until golden; let cool.
  2. Add salt and a dash of cayenne pepper to the onions.
  3. Sift flour and baking powder together in a bowl.
  4. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Add milk; mix just enough to dampen dry ingredients.
  6. Roll dough into a 12 x 8-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
  7. Spread the cooled onion mixture evenly over the dough.
  8. Roll up the dough as for a jelly roll, starting from the longer side.
  9. Cut the rolled dough into eight 1-inch slices.
  10. Place slices flat side down in a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
  11. Mix beaten egg with evaporated milk.
  12. Pour the egg mixture over the rolls.
  13. Bake in a 400°F oven for 25 minutes until golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider caramelizing the onions longer than suggested. You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. If you don't have shortening, butter works as a suitable alternative. For a twist, try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the onion mixture for extra aroma. These Pinwheel Onion Rolls are a delightful addition to any brunch spread, similar to the savory offerings found in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

These pinwheel onion rolls are perfect as an appetizer or side dish. Serve them warm with a dollop of sour cream or a light herb dip. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or a hearty soup. For a complete meal, enjoy them alongside the Best Coconut Pie for dessert to balance the savory flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover pinwheel onion rolls 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 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This helps to retain their softness and prevents them from becoming soggy. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pinwheel Onion Rolls contains roughly 631 calories, with 14g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (129% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1080mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).

631 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.6g 27% DV
Total Fat 32g 41% DV
Carbs 86.5g 31% DV
Fiber 16.7g 59% DV
Sugar 9.4g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1080.2mg 47% DV
Potassium 1214mg 26% DV
Cholesterol 70.1mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1161mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 43.2mg 48% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 213.5mg 16% DV
Iron 7.8mg 43% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking. Just ensure to let it come to room temperature before rolling out. This can help save time if you're planning for a gathering.

What can I use instead of milk?

You can substitute the milk with a non-dairy option like almond milk or soy milk for a lactose-free variation. If you're looking for a richer flavor, consider using buttermilk or yogurt diluted with a little water.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on them in the last few minutes.

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).

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