Smoked Gouda Crack Chicken Pinwheels Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the pinwheels.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
