If you’re searching for a snack that will impress at your next gathering or just want a delightful treat to enjoy with your family, this Cheesy Garlic Pinwheels Recipe is an absolute winner. Soft, flaky pizza crust swirled generously with a creamy, garlicky cheese filling delivers a perfect combo of savory flavors with every bite. These pinwheels bake up golden and slightly crisp, making them wonderfully addictive finger foods that anyone can’t help but love. Simple yet packed with taste, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to achieving those perfect cheesy garlic pinwheels. Each component brings its own magic—whether it’s the creamy texture, the sharp cheesy kick, or the herby garlic flavor that ties everything together.
- Lipton Savory Herb with Garlic Soup & Dip Mix: This mix infuses the filling with a robust garlic and herb flavor without extra chopping or seasoning hassle.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The rich and smooth base that binds the filling and adds luscious creaminess to every bite.
- Mozzarella cheese (1½ cups): Melts to gooey perfection, giving that stretchy, cheesy pull that makes these pinwheels irresistible.
- Milk (2 tsp): Helps lighten the filling just a touch, making it easier to spread and blend evenly over the dough.
- Refrigerated pizza crust (2 tubes, 13.8 oz each): Convenient and soft, this crust provides the ideal base that crisps up beautifully while staying tender inside.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 425ºF to prepare it for baking these pinwheels to golden perfection. A hot oven ensures the crust crisps beautifully around that dreamy, cheesy center.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine the Lipton Savory Herb with Garlic Soup & Dip Mix, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, and milk. Stir until everything is smoothly blended. This mixture is going to be the savory heart of your pinwheels, so take a moment to ensure it’s well mixed and creamy.
Step 3: Spread and Roll the Dough
Unroll both tubes of your refrigerated pizza crust on a clean surface. Spread the creamy cheese filling evenly across the dough sheets. Then, carefully roll each one jelly-roll style, starting from the longest edge, to create a tight spiral packed with flavor.
Step 4: Cut and Bake
Slice each rolled dough into 32 even rounds. Place the pinwheels cut side up on a baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Slide them into your preheated oven and bake for 13 minutes or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown shade and a slight crisp around the edges.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Cheesy Garlic Pinwheels Recipe even more enticing, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top right after baking for a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma. A light dusting of parmesan cheese adds a lovely finishing touch as well.
Side Dishes
Pair these pinwheels with a fresh crisp salad or a tangy marinara dipping sauce. The refreshing greens complement the richness and the tomato-based sauce accentuates the garlicky cheese, creating a balanced and satisfying meal or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these pinwheels on a decorative platter with some colorful vegetable sticks and olives. You can also thread a few onto skewers for a playful finger food presentation that’s perfect for parties. A small bowl of warm marinara in the center makes dipping extra easy and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any pinwheels left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They hold their flavor and texture surprisingly well, making them just as enjoyable the next day.
Freezing
Before baking, arrange the cut pinwheels on a parchment-lined tray and freeze them until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to two months. This way, you can bake fresh pinwheels straight from the freezer whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving to keep them from getting soggy—you want to preserve that golden crust and melty cheese inside.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated crust?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and allows for customization in thickness and flavor. Just roll it out to a rectangle similar in size to the store-bought crust for best results.
Is there a way to make these pinwheels spicier?
Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cheese filling or sprinkle some finely chopped jalapeños before rolling. This adds a pleasant kick that complements the garlic and cheese.
Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?
While mozzarella is ideal for its meltiness, you can substitute it with provolone, Monterey Jack, or even sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of how your choice affects melt and texture.
What if I don’t have Lipton Savory Herb with Garlic Soup Mix?
No worries! You can use a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs like parsley and thyme, plus a pinch of salt to mimic the flavor. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious.
Are these pinwheels good for parties or just snacks?
These pinwheels are perfect for both! They’re easy to eat with your fingers, bake quickly, and look festive on a platter—making them a great appetizer or fun snack any time.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend the Cheesy Garlic Pinwheels Recipe enough for your recipe arsenal. They’re just so easy to whip up, delicious to eat, and versatile for all sorts of occasions. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become your go-to for a comforting snack or party treat you can make without stress. Trust me, your crowd will adore them!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 32 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Garlic Pinwheels are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring creamy garlic-flavored cheese spread rolled inside soft pizza crust. Perfect for parties or snack time, they bake to golden brown perfection in just 13 minutes.
Ingredients
Cheese Filling
- 1 envelope Lipton Savory Herb with Garlic Soup & Dip Mix
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp milk
Pinwheels
- 2 (13.8-oz) tubes refrigerated pizza crust
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the pinwheels evenly.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the Lipton savory herb with garlic soup & dip mix, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and milk until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Pinwheels: Unroll both refrigerated pizza crust tubes onto a flat surface. Evenly spread the prepared cheese mixture over both crusts. Roll each crust jelly-roll style starting from the longest side to form tight logs. Using a sharp knife, cut each roll into 16 equal rounds, making a total of 32 pinwheels.
- Bake: Arrange the pinwheels cut side up on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 13 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed up and browned on top.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and spreading.
- Use a sharp knife to get clean, even pinwheel slices.
- You can sprinkle additional mozzarella on top before baking for an extra cheesy crust.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- These pinwheels freeze well before baking; bake from frozen just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
