Tomato Cheese Pinwheels(Makes 40 Rolls)
Delicious tomato cheese pinwheels feature a flaky dough filled with sharp cheddar and chives, perfect for appetizers, parties, or snack time with bold flavors and appealing presentation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Combine tomato juice, water, and margarine.
- Heat the mixture to 120° to 130°F.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients and beat for 2 minutes on medium speed.
- Add eggs and 1 cup flour, then beat on high speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
- Cover the bowl with foil and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.
- When ready to shape, combine cheese and chives.
- Punch dough down and turn onto a lightly floured board.
- Divide the dough in half.
- Roll each half into a 12 x 15-inch rectangle.
- Cut each rectangle into 20 (3-inch) squares.
- Place on greased baking sheets 1 inch apart.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cheese mixture on each square.
- Bring each point of the square to the center to form a pinwheel.
- Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 15 minutes.
- Bake at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes and cool on wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use high-quality sharp Cheddar cheese for a richer flavor. If you're out of chives, green onions work well as a substitute. To enhance the dough's flavor, consider adding herbs like oregano or basil. Ensure your liquids are at the right temperature when mixing in the yeast to activate it properly. If you're short on time, you can skip chilling the dough, but it helps improve the texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Tomato Cheese Pinwheels make a delightful appetizer or snack and pair beautifully with a fresh salad or a bowl of soup. For a festive touch, serve alongside Orange Egg Nog Punch during holiday gatherings. They can also be enjoyed with a dip, such as marinara or garlic butter, making them perfect for parties or game days.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through. This keeps them soft and delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Cheese Pinwheels(Makes 40 Rolls) contains roughly 115 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp Cheddar cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even vegan cheese alternatives for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of the melting properties to ensure they hold together well in pinwheel form.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size, which usually takes about 15 minutes in a warm environment. You can gently press your finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it's ready. If not, give it a little more time to rise before proceeding with shaping the pinwheels.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by refrigerating it after mixing. This allows the flavors to develop and can make for a quicker process when you're ready to bake. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and shaping the pinwheels.
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).