Smoked Gouda Crack Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Smoked Gouda Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a deliciously cheesy and savory appetizer perfect for gatherings or a cozy snack. These flaky puff pastry rolls are filled with tender chicken, creamy smoked Gouda, and flavorful seasonings, making every bite irresistible.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup smoked gouda cheese, grated
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, smoked gouda, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
3. Step 3: Gently unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and spread the chicken mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small margin at the edges.
4. Step 4: Starting at one end, roll the pastry carefully into a log. Slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
5. Step 5: Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
7. Step 7: Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped green onions or jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
• Use smoked cheddar instead of smoked gouda for a sharper taste.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure easy mixing and spreading.
• If you prefer, serve with a side of ranch or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. They can also be frozen before baking; just thaw and bake as directed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of shredded cooked chicken?

It’s best to use cooked, shredded chicken for this recipe to ensure it bakes evenly within the puff pastry. You can roast or boil chicken breasts in advance and shred them before mixing.

What if I don’t have puff pastry?

Puff pastry gives these pinwheels their flaky texture, but you can substitute with crescent roll dough for a softer, less flaky result. The baking time might vary slightly.

Smoked Gouda Crack Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

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Smoked Gouda Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a savory, cheesy appetizer featuring shredded chicken blended with smoked gouda, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Baked to golden perfection, these pinwheels are perfect for parties, game day, or as a delicious snack.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup smoked gouda cheese, grated
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the pinwheels.
2. Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, smoked gouda cheese, softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste, and mix until well blended.
3. Roll Out Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Spread the prepared chicken mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small margin around the edges to allow for rolling.
4. Form Pinwheels: Starting at one edge, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
5. Prepare for Baking: Arrange the pinwheels on the lined baking sheet with space between each to allow for puffing. Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish during baking.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and fully puffed.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the pinwheels from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer to a serving platter. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier and more uniform.
• Feel free to substitute smoked gouda with another flavorful cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a different taste.
• You can prepare these pinwheels ahead of time and refrigerate before baking; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• For added flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the filling before rolling.
• Use a sharp knife to slice the pinwheels cleanly without squashing them.

Keywords: Smoked Gouda, Crack Chicken, Pinwheels, Puff Pastry, Appetizer, Party Food, Baked Snacks