Name: Smoked Gouda Puff Pastry Pinwheel Appetizer
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1/2 package puff pastry ((200 g; 1 square; thawed)); 1/4 cup cream cheese ((at room temperature)); 1 jalapeno ((seeded and diced)); 1 cup smoked gouda ((shredded)); 1 tablespoon water; 1 egg ((lightly beaten))

This smoked gouda puff pastry pinwheel appetizer is our go-to easy holiday appetizer! They are simple to make, taste amazing, and always disappear quickly.

I feel like I am perpetually behind. The last post was supposed to go up on Monday, and this post was supposed to be up on Wednesday. Between work, dinner, and a picky eater of a one-year old, I am pretty busy. And by the time Kai is in bed and the dishes are done, all that I have the energy for these days is the couch and Netflix.

Why aren't there 30 hours in a day? That would be awesome.

So. This puff pastry pinwheel appetizer recipe is perfect for people like me...people who are short on time, people who mistakenly think they are superman/woman and try to do far too many things, people who need something easy for a holiday party. Even if you don't check any of the above boxes, if you like puff pastry wrapped around smoked gouda, cream cheese and jalapenos {and who on Earth wouldn't?!}, this is your recipe.

Reasons you'll ♡ this puff pastry pinwheel appetizer

it's always SUPER popular and disappears quickly
it's easy to prepare
you can swap the fillings out for your faves

These little puff pastry pinwheel appetizers come together in about 15 or so minutes, and bake up in another 20 minutes. They don't require much effort, however you do need to thaw your puff pastry and bring the cream cheese to room temperature.

I can tell you, from personal experience, what happens when you try to thaw your puff pastry quickly...in the microwave: a sticky disaster, and a Denise melt-down, where I may have run around in circles in my kitchen freaking-out "now what am I going to bring to the potluck?!?!?!?"

True story. I was so angry at puff pastry it was banned from my life for several years. We have since buried the hatchet and I'm so glad, because puff pastry? Buttery, flaky, slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside puff pastry. This is something I neeeeeed in my life, especially since the holidays are just around the corner.

I think the smoked gouda and jalapeno combination was stuck in my head after I saw this Smoked Gouda and Jalapeno Beer Bread {which looks amazing!} from Maebells. It is such a great flavor combination in this puff pastry pinwheel appetizer, especially with the cream cheese, which adds a tangy creamy element to these guys.

I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that this batch of pinwheels lasted less than an hour...between Ben and I, these babies didn't stand a chance.

You've been warned: these are dangerous!

Tips & equipment for perfect smoked gouda & jalapeno pinwheels

for this recipe, you will need a silicone basting brush, a box grater, a rolling pin and sheet pans
swap out the fillings and add your faves: prosciutto, spinach, ham and roasted red peppers are all great ideas
looking for more party appetizer ideas? Check out this Roasted Red Pepper Dip, this Tzatziki Sauce or these Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!